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Copyriglit, 190U. by 
Mrs. HAUUIET F. I'APvKEi: 
Lynn, Mass. 



6'trno^aia anh Dr&iratinn. 



Mr. ROBERT BRONSDON, 
h. in Enyland, 1638-9. A -'Merchant of Boston;'' d. 1701. 

(Cbiliirru : 
1. ELIZAIiETn,m. Mr. Samuel Greenwood. Hi. SARAH, m. Hon. William Clark. 
i .\r.AnY.m. Ciipl. .Jonathan Evans. if. BEXJA.\fIX, m. Mary, itau Capt Gilbert Bant. 



Mr. JOHN BOX, 

I. hi Enylnnd, IGU7 : m. Li/dia Story. lie was a ^^ Mercfiant-ropemaker" of Boston. 
d. 1774, and for many years Warden of King's Chapel., Boston. 

(Chilbrrn : 
ELIZ.lliETn, m. Capt. Rant llronsrion', C Renj.^, Robt.^J 
L YDI.t, m. William Iloskius, Esq. 

The History of the descendants of Lydiu' Mrs Hoskins) is contributed by Mrs. Eleanor { Hoskinsi Wailt. 



al)ii> lUiliuur 

in AjVirtiondteli/ and Respectfully 

D^^iratr^ 

to All the De-tcendants of the abote Families 
by the Compilers. 



3Jii ittruuirtam. 



liOBEUT BRONSDON, 

" Merchant of Boston," County of Suffolk, 
Province of Massachusetts Bay. 



" Shii bluiib. mij frinii). attii parthi inittr." 

— Tennyson. 



Date 



Author %rsh 



Titl< 





^a 




7-56 (rev V72) 



PREFACE 



" They who on glorious ancestry enlarge 

But prove their debt instead of their discharge." 

THE labor of research and compilation connected with this book was 
accomplished in three years. Similar undertakings frequently consume 
ten or twenty years, or longer ; but, whatever the time allowed, it is a fact 
that to the genealogist, ever aware of deficiencies in the records, the work 
never seems finished. At the commencement some material, already gath- 
ered, awaited but the opportunity of one who possessed considerable infor- 
mation of family matters, together with practical experience in genealogical 
methods. We refer to Colonel Lucius Bolles Marsh, late of Boston (see p 
124). Colonel Marsh passed on to a higher life, Aug. 14, 1901, while at his 
summer home at North Scituate. A long and painful illness culminated 
three days before his death in paralysis. He was mourned by all who had 
the happiness to call him friend. In the beginning of this Genealogy he 
applied himself with enthusiasm to correspondence with kindred and prepa- 
ration of manuscript, but his strength proved unequal to such a task, and 
by the advice of his physician, he desisted from writing, but continued to 
impart instruction to his co-worker, Mrs. Parker ; her manuscript, when 
ready for publication, was submitted to him for verification and approval 
boon afterward his illness increased, and he thought better to relinquish the 
undertaking wholly to Mrs. Parker, who, without delay, made arrangements 
to publish the book, anxiously hoping the while that the Colonel might live 
to see It finished ; for Colonel Marsh, above all other descendants of Robert 
Bronsdon, would have rejoiced could he have held this volume in his hand 
and turned its pages. It meant much to him, for he undertook the work 
from the most unselfish motives. He believed that what we call " family 
pnde often proves a real moral restraint, and that the man who is assured 
of SIX or eight generations of respectable ancestors is better able to realize 
the kinship of the race, and consequently becomes less narrow and selfish 
more scrupulous in the performance of his parental duties, and a better 
member of society at large. Few families possess even one ancient relic 
which might serve as a reminder of their forefathers. Heirlooms and relics 
have their mission, inasmuch as they evoke inquiry on the part of our young 
people and keep alive traditions of the past 



vi PREFACE. 



A noted college professor has said that there is one thing within our 
grasp, and that is the " spiritual possession of the family kinship." Just a 
mere name and a few dates stand for the lifetime of one who has, like our- 
selves, lived and loved, joyed and suffered, gloried in achievement or bowed 
in disappointment. Who does not sometimes ponder the hidden springs of 

his own being ? 

" Those days are vanished, tone and tint, 
And yet perhaps the hoarding sense 
Gives out at times, we know not whence, 
A little flash, a mystic hint." 



Some delay has resulted from the difficulty of providing for the expenses 
of publication. These were underestimated at the start, consequently the 
customary fate of genealogists is ours. No person who embarks in an enter- 
prise of this sort need expect to make receipts and expenses balance. Lack 
of funds obliged us to omit some interesting pictures which it was originally 
intended to insert in the book. It was expected that three hundred pages, 
including the Index, would be the maximum number, but this limit is 
exceeded. For these reasons we are obliged to advance the price of this 
book, which in future will be somewhat above the original sum paid by 

subscribers. 

Our work has been performed in a conscientious spirit, but errors will 
doubtless have crept in, although we hope they are few, and we bespeak 
your leniency for all such. We have for the most part refrained from com- 
ment and allowed facts to speak for themselves. When doubt exists on any 
point we have so stated, leaving the matter open for future information or 
correction, which we will gladly receive ; also we desire to perfect all incom- 
plete records. 

We might entertain our readers with an account of the weeks and 
months spent in poring over old books and papers in dusty, dimly-lighted 
libraries, or in public buildings where knowledge was oftentimes to be gained 
only from weighty volumes of bound documents to which we scaled our way 
by ladders ; of interviews with public and private officials, obliging or other- 
wise ; of journeying to interview "oldest inhabitants;" of searches in old 
graveyards, or underground tombs, or wherever "original records" were 
thought to lurk ; also of the almost interminable task of compilation when 
names, dates, places and events were studied and assigned to their appro- 
priate niches, and manuscripts copied and re-copied during the " wee sma' 
hours ayant the twal." Hundreds of letters have been written and almost 
as many received. In the wide acquaintance thus gained, nothing has 
impressed us more than the changed conditions of succeeding generations 
and the differing fortunes of the posterity of those who were formerly on an 
even plane of worldly prosperity. 



PREFACE. y[{ 



However, all that has been wearisome or uncongenial in our task will 
fade into the background of Memory if ours be the happiness of knowing 
that we have presented you with an acceptable volume. We gratefully 
appreciate the services of those who have facilitated the acco-mplishment of 
our purpose. It is not possible, within the limits of this preface, to name 
all, but aside from the descendants of Robert Bronsdon, we are indebted for 
assistance to Miss Harriet Laughton Matthews of the Lynn, Mass., Public 
Library; Mr. John L. Hassam of Boston, an authority on Colonial history; 
Mr. G. T. Ridlon of Maine, author of " Saco Valley Settlers ; " Mr. Sereno 
D. Nickerson, Recording Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Mass., F. and 
A. M. ; the late and the present Recorders of the city of Boston, viz., Mr. 
Whitmore and Mr. McGlenen ; Mrs. Alice (Fairfield) Moody of Portland^ 
Me.; nor must we forget to acknowledge the courtesy of the Boston 
Evening Transcript in allowing us the use of their genealogical column. 
In the preparation of Box-Story records, we have been helped by the 
courtesy of the late Judge Isaac Story of Somerville, Mr. Robert Marion 
Pratt of Boston, and Mrs. Eleanor (Hoskins) Waitt of Dorchester. Mr. I. J. 
Greenwood of New York, author of much valuable genealogical literature, 
kiudly verified the Greenwood sketch. Mrs. Sarah (Vallette) Day of New 
York contributed the sum necessary to the production of the Vallette 
Appendix, and Mr. Milton H. Bronsdon of Providence, R. L, assumed the 
greater part of the expense of the English researches, for which we engaged 
Mr. Lothrop Withington, the celebrated genealogist of London, England. 
These researches were not completed, but may be resumed at some future 
time. Many who sent family records, etc., did not subscribe, doubtless for 
sufficient reasons. Our book has not been electrotyped and the present 
edition is small ; when it is exhausted, no more copies will be obtainable. 

We wish our subscribers to receive renewed assurance of our gratitude 
for their loyal and cordial support, which has kept us from relinquishing 
the enterprise when sometimes it has seemed impossible to carry it through 
to a successful termination. 

" Vento favente navis in portum venit.^'' 

HARRIET F. PARKER. 

Address : 

Mrs. Creightok W. Parker, 

28 Lowell Street, Lynn, Mass. 



viii PREFACE. 



BRONSDON. 

, Early Origin of the Name. 

Bronsdon is derived from the old Saxon, Bronteston. We quote from 
that quaint old English book, " Shaw's Staffordshire," Vol. I, page 22 : 

" Bronteston is a small place in Staffordshire, a hamlet belonging to 
Burton. (Brantestun, Braunteston, Brantiston, Branston, Bronston). It is 
situated two miles south of Burton and near the Eiver Trent and upon the 
old Roman road Ryknield-Street, now the Turnpike to Litchfield. 

" The first mention of this small place is before the Conquest, much 
earlier than I believe I shall find any other original document or grant else- 
where in the whole county, viz., 956, when King Edwy, by his charter bear- 
ing that date and signed by himself, his son and Odo the Archbishop, other 
Bishops and Saxon Dukes, &c., grants to his faithful servant, or Thane, 
Eadwig, eight farms of land in Brantestun for his life, with permission after 
his death to leave them to whom he pleased, to be inherited forever. 

" The estate was afterward the property of Godeva, the wife of Leofric, 
Earl of Mercia, who died possessed of it, leaving it, with other estates, to 
her son Algar, whose heir, Edwyne, having forfeited it by his opposition to 
the Conqueror, we find it was held of him in the 20th year of his reign by 
the Abbey of Burton. 

" For, in Domesday Book, it is thus recorded. 

" This Abbey held Brantestone, which the Lady Godeva before held. 
" It then consisted of one hide and a half.* The arable lands of Braun- 
teston were 5 caracates, &c., 24 acres of meadow, a wood, a half a mile m 
length, and the same in breadth. It had been worth 60 shillings, but then 
only 40 shillings. In the time of Henry I, the wood was held by Robert 
de Ferrars. 

" It was granted for services to the church by the Abbots of Burton to 
various persons, until, in the time of King John (1199 to 1216) a family 
became settled there who took their surname from the place and divers of 
the lands there, as follows, 

'' About the year 1250 A-vice the widow of Robert, son of Ailwyn de 
Brontiston, grants and confirms to God and the church of Burton a tene- 
ment and one bovat of land in Brantestun, in the wood at Littlehay, with 
appurtenances, &c. 

" Next, Richard, the son of Robert de Brontiston, and Margaret, his 
wife, quitclaim, &c. to the said Abbey the above volantum in Littlehay 
wood for which they paid them, in their greate necessity, half a mark of 
silver. 

" About the year 1320 William, son of Richard de Brontiston, for the 
sake of charity and his own soule and those of his ancestors and successors, 
grants to Robert, Abbot of Burton, and monks there, two bovats of land in 
Brontiston. 

~ * A "hide" was 120 acres. In 960 land sold at one shilling an acre, and thus we 
learn how dear was money and how cheap was land. In 1066 the ancient families were 
reduced to poverty by seizui-e of their lands by William the Conqueror. This is known 
as the Dissolution. 



PREFACE. ix 



" A-vice, daughber of Roger de Brantiston, for the health of her soul 
and those of her ancestors and successors, grants to God, and the said 
church, two bo vats of Land in Brantiston which Humphrey, the son of Edwv 
held, an VII acres of meadow for III shil. VI pence yearly." 

There was also a William Bronston, Abbot of Burton, who died in 1472, 
after occupying the office of Abbot for eighteen years. He died March 7, 
1472, and was sumptuously buried in St. Mary's Chapel, under a marble 
tomb on which is inscribed a Latin epitaph beginning, 

''Abbates gesslt, qui hie reqidescit, Wilhelmus nomine Branston cui det Deus. 



Amen.'' 



He was a great benefactor to the Abbey. The Abbot William Bronston 
gave six pieces of cloth of silver and gold to the Abbey, and also added 
greatly to its revenues. He also procured an exemption from servino- the 
office of Sheriff of Staffordshire. 

In the 24th year of the reign of Edward III, Joan, wife of Richard de 
Calangewood, and Henry, their son and heir, held lands in '' Brondeston." 
This manor passed, with the rest of the Abbey lands, to Sir William Paget 
after the Dissolution, and from him to the Earl of Uxbrido-e. 



Succession. 
i. " ' 



Alwines de Brontlston} before 1216. 
ii. Robert de Brontlston- and Avice his wife, 1250,* 
iii. Richard de Broritiston^ and Margaret his wife, 
iv. William de Brontlston^ Abbot of Burton, 1330. 
y. Roger de Brontlston^ (of London ?). 
vi. A-vice de Brantiston^. 
vii. William Bronston', Abbot of Burton, 1454 to 1472. 



Description of Burton, by Shaw. 

Burton consists of one principal street, running north and south, paral- 
lel with the River Trent, called High-street, and, at right angles, another 
spacious street called Horninglow-street. In the parish are 6 hamlets. 
Burton extra, Bronston, Horninglow, Stretton, Wiushill and Stapleliill. 

William Bramston was Sheriff in London, 1395, and was the ancestor 
of the Bramston family of Boreham, near Chelmsford, County Essex, Eng- 
land. The same variations of spelling are noticeable in the name of thts 
family as in the early Bronsdon generations, and there is little or no doubt 
that it is a branch of the ancient Brontestons. A record preserved in the 
Greenwood family was written over a century ago. It is as follows : 

* Robert and Avis remained as ancestral names in the family for centuries Robert 



PREFACE. 



" Samuel Greenwood married a Brinsdall descended from the Knights 
of Moulsham (near Chelmsford), Co. Essex. William Knight (see Chelms- 
ford Parish Register) had two sons and a daughter living temp. Charles I. 
One son was in the Army and the second, to whom the estate descended, 
died without issue, after which the property was managed by Fitz Walter 
and D. Fitz Gerald. The daughter married Brinsdell and had twin daugh- 
ters, of whom the eldest married S. Greenwood." 

The foregoing was furnished by Mr. I. J. Greenwood of New York City, 
who says further : " The name Fitz Walter comes in here, as the Manor of 
Moulsham belonged to the Mildmay family since 1542, and in 1669 Henry 
Mildmay was allowed the Barony of Fitz Walter which his ancestors had 
claimed. Both his sons Charles and Benjamin were Lords Fitz Walter, the 
latter dying in 1758, s. p." 

This may mean either that the mother of Bathsheba Richards was 
named Knight and that the writer confused the identity of mother and 
daughter, or that Robert Bronsdon was previously married according to the 
above record, and that Elizabeth was the daughter of that marriage, and 
therefore a step-daughter to Bathsheba. The Knight family was closely 
associated with Robert Bronsdon in America, as a study of documents 
relating to him will reveal. He purchased a Knight estate in Salem. 
Hoping to obtain a record of this marriage, we addressed the Deputy Parish 
Clerk of Chelmsford, who made researches in the old registers of marriages, 
baptisms and burials, and, as the spelling of the name varies so much, he 
concluded that Robert Bronsdon or Brimsdon sprang from the old family of 
Bramsdon or Bramston. 

The crest of the Bramstons of England is a " Lion sejant, or gorged 
with a collar, sable, charged with three plates."* This crest is taken from 
the tomb of Sir John Bramston of Roxwell, near Chelmsford, Co. Essex. 
He was son of Roger Bramston (a descendant of William, the Sheriff of 
London). He married Priscilla Cloville, and, in consequence of this alliance, 
removed to Boreham. While Roger Bramston and his wife were visiting 
relatives at Maldon, near Chelmsford, John was born May 18, 1577, as 
recorded in the Parish Church there. One of his godfathers was Henry 
Mildmay, Esq. In course of time he attended the University at Cambridge, 
and went from thence to the Middle Temple, and in due season was called 
to the Bar. He was appointed Counsel to the University at Cambridge and 

* Note. The Lion gorged with a collar, charged with three plates, is the crest in 
the " Coat of Arms " which John Box Bronsdon caused to be adorned with the symbols 
of American Independence as a memorial of his English origin and the part he took in 
the War of the Revolution. See illustration wherein it is reproduced from the original 
picture, now over 120 years old, and which is faded and crumbling. It belongs to the 
heirs of the late Hannah (Bronsdon) Allen. The English Coat of Arms was etched on 
a silver plate which disappeared about 35 years ago. It had descended to Phinehas 
Bronsdon' s heirs from earlier generations. 




BRONSDON COAT OF ARMS 
AMERICANIZED BY (282) JOHN BOX BRONSDON, 



PREFACE. XI 



to namerous other positions of honor, until, in 1630, he became Chief Justice 
of Ely, and in 1632 Queen's Sergeant, and was knighted that year. In 1635 
he was constituted Lord Chief Justice of the King's Bench. 

In 1606 he married Bridget, a daughter of Thomas Moundefort, or 
Mountfort, Doctor of Physic, and Mary, daughter of Richard Hill of London 
by Elizabeth, 20th child of Sir William Lock, Alderman of London. Sir 
John Bramston by his first wife had twelve children, of whom three sons 
and three daughters survived. The first Lady Bramston died in the 36th 
year of her age, and Sir John married, second, Elizabeth, widow of Sir John 
Brereton and daughter of Lord Brabazon. In the year 1635 he purchased 
the estate of the son of the Earl of Portland at Skreens, Roxwell, near 
Chelmsford, Co. Essex, where he died Sept. 22, 1564. A monument to his 
son. Sir John Bramston, states that he was made a Knight of the Bath on 
April 23, 1661, at the coronation of King Charles II. He resided in London 
at his town house in the Charterhouse Yard, and also on his ancestral estates 
near Chelmsford. He had a quarrel with his political enemy. Sir Henry 
Mildmay, about the repairs to a bridge. The Mildmays were successors of 
the Bishop of London, who originally built the bridge. Lord Fitzwalter, 
the then owner of the Mildmay estates, retained all the solicitors of the 
county and obtained a verdict in his own favor. Sir John Bramston, being 
very bitter over the result, carried his grievance before the King in Council 
in 1672, and His Majesty was pleased to declare his very good opinion of 
Sir John and his two brothers, and that he regarded Mr. Mildmay's pro- 
ceedings as "a malicious contrivance against them who appeared to him 
altogether innocent of the charge." The second Sir John Bramston died 
Feb. 1, 1699, in the 89th year of his age. 

The above is condensed from Chancellors " Monuments of Essex," from 
a copy in full sent to the compilers of the Bronsdon history by the Parish 
Clerk of Chelmsford, England. The reader will observe the association of 
the Mildmay and Bramston names. A large and very quaint old book that 
belonged to Robert Bronsdon is carefully preserved ; this book is dedicated 
to Sir William Brereton, and probably that was the reason for its possession 
by Robert Bronsdon. 

We have the names of a brother and sister of Robert ; Benjamin Brons- 
don, whose Will is briefly summed up as follows : 

20 June 1681. Benjamin Brunsden Devizes, Wilts, glazier. To sone 
£10 & buffe breeches, to daughter £10, Rest to wife Avis executrix. Wit- 
nessed by William Whittier for ISTicholys Bid dell, Walter Hulthorp. 

Inventory 24 August 1681 . . . coffee powder, coffee pott, etc. 
Total £112 : 15 : 6. Debts £15 : : 6. 

Signed Rich. Jeffries, Nicholas Biddell. 
(Consistory of Sarum, file for 1681.) 



xii PREFACE. 

His daughter, Avis Brunsden, married John Gale of Broomham, Wilts. 
Her son, Benjamin Gale, was in Boston fifty years later, when he signed 
deeds of real estate. Robert Bronsdon's sister Mary married into the 
Bosson family, probably of Roxbiiry, Mass. There was a Robert Bronsdon 
of London, called "cousin " by Robert of Boston. He died without children. 

We have abstracts of a number of old Bronsdon Wills, not any of which 
can be connected with absolute certainty with our ancestor, Robert, until 
further information is obtained. A few are here given, to indicate that the 
Bronsdon family of the time of Robert was prosjjerous and possessed of 
culture. There have been several of the name at the University at Oxford 
from early times. 



OLD ENGLISH WILLS. 

18 June 1615 Jone Brunsden, East Grafton parish of Greate Bedwin, 
CO Wilts. To be buried in greate Bedwin church. To church of Greate 
Bedwin 6 s. 8 d. To poor of ditto 10 s. To Jone Brunsdone daughter of 
son Thomas £10. To daughter Jone bed etc. and £3. To son Thomas £5. 
To children's children 10 s. each. To Marie and Jane Brunsdone daughters 
of son John a bocram shete each. To servant Jane Batt 10 s. and second 
gowne. To Edward Brunsden son of John cowe and shepe. To daughter 
Jone all wearing linen. To god-children 10 s. each. Rest to son John 
Brunsden, executor. Inventory of Jone Brunsen late widow of Edmund 
Brunsen of Greate Bedwin taken and prized by Christopher Batt, Thomas 
Blandy & Robert Noyes £6 : 2 : 8. (Consistory of Sarum, file for 1615.) 



15 Julie, lo James I. William Brinsden towne and parish of Wotten 
Bassett, Co. Wilts, gentleman. To the poor of Wotten Bassett 20 s. To 
Anne Jacobb £20. To William, Thomas and Mary Jacobb, grandchildren, 
£10 at 21 years. To daughter Jane £40. To daughter Ann brasse pott 
weight 15 pounds, powder weighing 12 pounds. To son John all lands in 
Wotten Bassett and paying to heirs of son John and daughters Jane and 
Ann 200 marks to be divided to children's children. Residue to son John 
Brinsden, Executor. Cozen John Brinsden of Bristoll, Richard Bosson of 
Woodshawe, gent., and John Parsons of Wotten Bassett overseers. Written 
with owne hand. No witnesses. Proved 11 Nov'' 1616. 



23 April, 17 Charles II, 1675. Ann Brunsden of Wootton Bassett. To 
daughter Mary Maye my new Shiffe gown and third of wearing apparel and 
a ring. To daughter Rebeckah Ayloffe the bed shg lyeth on and Lynnen, 
third of wearing apparel and a ring. To daughter Susannah Levett silk 
Pettycoate and bedd I doe lye upon and other third of wearing apparel and 
a ring. To granddaughters two little rings. To grandsons two rings. To 
children of Susannah Levett 50 * apiece, etc., etc. Son Charles ex'or. 
Proved at London 12 May 1675. 



PREFACE. Xlll 



Will of Christopher Brunsdon of the City of Bristoll, vintner. To be 
buried at discretion of wife & Mr. Humphrey Brent whom I desire to preach 
my funeral sermon. Wife Ann executrix & my friend, Mr. Humphrey 
Little, Overseer, to whom I give 20 s. for a ring. My tenement, mill & 
lands at French Hay in Winterbourne in Co. Glos, to my eldest son Arthur 
Brinsdon and in default of him to son John Brinsdon and in default of him 
to daughters Anne & Ursula. My wife to have use of dwelling house for 
life. Tenement in Worten Bassett to son Arthur. To wife three tenements 
called the Three Trouts in St. Thomas Street, Bristoll, for life and then to 
fower children. To daughters my corner messuage in Temple Streete, my 
two stables in St. Thomas Lane, and messuage at Kedcliffe Pitt. Touching 
my Mowbarton at Temple Gate I give the same to my wife and at her 
marriage or death to son John, also to John the debt due from my brother- 
in-law, Roger Roydon, in case he accepts the Spittle house close as part of 
his wife's dividend etc. but if he refuse I give said close to son John. To 
the feoffies of St. Thomas Church £30 the interest to be imployed for a 
sermon to be preached every year forever August 24 my birth day, and the 
overplus to the poor. All my goods, household stuff, implements of trade, 
etc., to be inventoried and divided into five equal parts and divided to wife 
and children, or if wife prefers to carry on my trade she to give security for 
payments of children's portions at 21 or marriage. Witnessed by Nathaniel 
King, Fra. Yeamans, John Field, Rich. Higgins Jun'". Proved at London, 
2 June 1673. Reg. P. P. C. Pye fo 69. 



20 April 1675. John Brunsdon of Wootton Bassett, gentleman. To 
Mother Anne houses, freehold lands and rents in this towne and parish, 
except the houses that Richard Ayers and Robert Parsons doe live in which 
I give to the haires of my brother Christopher Brinsdon. Also to my said 
mother the leasehold lying in Eastfield . . . and leasehold in Unquety 
for her life and after her decease my dwelling house, etc., and lands belong- 
ing, the Barley close, Paradice, Snow Croft, and Bvxtt hay adjoining, to my 
sister Rebeckah Ayloffe and to my brother Charles for their life or the 
longest liver. My Butt hay barne (be)longs to Snow Croft, the Furlong 
Broadstone, Little Broadstone. Little Coxstalls, my dwelling-house outhouses. 
Leva] Is house. Gooseys house and all gardens belonging & also Paradice, 
The great Oare, Three little Oares and Long Pew, the Barley Close and 
Butt hay to my brother Charles Brunsden, and his heires reserving £10 a 
year for my sister Susannah Levett, 20 s. yearly to the poor of Unquety, 
20 s more to the poor of Wootton Bassett. To nephews Arthur and John 
houses in Wootton Bassett now in occupation of John Skeat Jun"", John 
Brewer, Jeane Brewer and Jeffry Edwards. To poor of Wootton Bassett 
£10 to remain as a stocke. £10 more to be distributed the morrow after 
my funerall. 40 s to the church 20 s for a funeral sermon. £10 to sister- 
in-law Anne Brunsden, £20 to sister Rebeckah Ayliffe, £6 to Viccar Skeat 
for a silver tankard for his son John my godson, £10 to my niece Mary 
Maye if she abide with her grandmother for 6 yeares. Reside Legatee and 
Ex^ mother Anne Brunsden. Witnesses, John Franklin, Bartholomew 
Horsbell, Thos. Newth. 13 May 1675 Com°" issued to Charles Brinsden the 
brother, Ann the mother being dead. 



XIV PREFACE. 



Will of John Brunsden the elder of Ogborne St. George, co. Wilts. 
To son Richard 11 acres of land in the common fields ; to son John one and 
a half acres in Mershill, also Cookes Close ; to son Henry messuage called 
Hallams and 43 acres of land in the common fields. To daughters Mary & 
Frances £150 apiece. Residue to wife Mary. Witnessed by Ob. Burges, 
Thomas Potter, John Savery. 

Seal, a shield with a cross ; a star in the center. 

Will proved 1694 in the Dean, and Canons of Windsor. 

Frances Brunsdon, mentioned above, made her Will in Feb., 1694, men- 
tioning her mother Anne Brunsdon, brothers John, Richard and Herry, 
sister Elizabeth Burges of Ruckly, nieces Sarah Brunsdon and Ann Bruns- 
den, to whom she left a '' golde ringe." The inventory amounted to £163 : 
13 : 2, and was taken by Vincent Ayers, John & Richard Brunsden, 21 May 
1694. 



13 March 1702. John Brunsdon of Manton. To son John my dwell- 
ing house purchased of Richard Brunsden for terme of 2000 years, in default 
to son Thomas and in default of him to son William. To daughter Joane 
Pawler £3. To daughter Susan Brunsdon £3. Residue to wife Joane. 
Witnesses, John Barnes, Richard Brunsden, William Marsh. 

Seal (fleur de lis) 



20 Octo"" 1707. Thomas Brunsden of St. Martins in the Fields, co. 
Middlesex. To be buried as my dear Avife Jane directs. To son Thomas 
house in Orange Street and £100 at the end of his apprenticeshipp, also all 
my Bookes, biggest looking glass, his own picture done in oyle colors, one 
pair of fine holland sheets, my Sword, Belt, Bandeliers, Muskett, Carbine, 
pistoll and Pike, 6 pewter Porringers, one biggest pewter dishes, one dozen 
pewter plates, biggest copper porridge pott, biggest saucepan, paire of brass 
candlesticks, my seal ring, my mourning ring, a silver pott, 6 silver spoones, 
a silver salt, a silver watch and silver Boucles. To my wife Jane the rent 
of two houses on Mews street and Hedge Lane for life or widdowhood then 
to son Thomas. To brother John £10. To Brother Benjamin £5. To 
sister Jane Blake £5. Residue to wife. Wife & brother John Brunsden 
ex""*. Seal, a man's bust draped in a toga- — very fine. 

(Archdeaconry of Middlesex.) 



12 January 1650. John Bronsdon, Aughton, parish of Collingborne, 
Kingstone. To daughter Joane £20 etc. To daughter Frances £20. To 
son Thomas £20 at 22. To son Edmund £20 at 21 & in case my brother- 
Edmund do put his life in his liven in Hampsheere then brother Edmund 
Bronsdon to have £20 for payment of this fine. To daughter Alee £20 at 
21. To daughter Sue Bronsdon £20. Rest to wife Margery and son John, 
Executors. Overseers Edmund Bronsdon & John Chandler. Witnesses, 
Selathell Deane, Thomas Hall, Robert Brinsden, John Brunsden. 

John Bronsdon died 14 Jan 1654-5. 
(Consistory of Sarum, file for 1650.) 



PREFACE. XV 

Memorandum that vpon or about the thre & twentieth day of March in 
the year of our Lord God 1660 Edmund Brunsden of Greate Bedwin, co 
Wilts, yeoman, being sicke in body but of ppfect vnderstandinge & memory 
with intent to make his will did by word of mouth make and declare his last 
will and testament nuncupative and thereby disposed of his estate in manner 
followinge that is to say he gave vnto his deere wife (as he called her) the 
howse wherein he then dwelt together with the Backside and orchard there- 
unto adioyninge and alsoe a little close of pasture lyinge and beinge in Great 
Bedwin aforesaid for and duringe her naturall life. And after her decease 
he gave the said howse, Backside and orchard close to Robert Brunsden 
sonn of Thomas Brunsden his kinsman and to the heires of his body law- 
fully to be begotten and for the want of such heires then he willed that the 
said howse etc should discard and come unto Edmund Brunsden soim of 
John Brunsden late of Collingbourne another of his kinsmen and to his 
heires and assigns forever and soe he gave it. The rest of his goodes he 
gave to Amy his wife and appointed her to be executrix and shortly after 
died. This or the very same in effect was declared by the said Edmund 
Brunsden to be his last will and testament in the presence and hearinge of 
Robert Billings, Clarke, John Hurcome and John Harrold. 

p"" M'^ Robertum Billings, cleci. 

Proved 7 May 1661. Inventory £181 : 6 : 8 presented April 15 1661 
by Robert Billings, Giles Reade, John Harold and Thomas Jenings. 
- (From Deanery of Sarum Bundle, 1660-1661-1662.) 



1 Oct. 1669 Robert Brunsden the elder of Crofton in parish of Greate 
Beddwin, yeoman. To kinswoman Frances Hall £4. To sister Mary Hall 
20 s. To Mary Brunsden £20. To Jeane Brunsden £10. To Alee Bruns- 
den £3. 

Item I make my kinsman Robert Bronsdon fully and wholly my exec- 
utor. To said Robert Brunsden my lands, orchards, houses, etc., etc., in 
Greate Bedwin. Witnessed by Robt. Sike, Nicholas Taint, John Noyese. 
Proved 16 May 1671 by Robert Brunsden Ex°^ Inventory £219-10-0, 
exhibited by oath of Robert Brunsden kinsman of deceased. 

(The length of time elapsing between the date of this will and the time 
it was proved may indicate that Robert Bronsdon of Boston was the kins- 
man indicated.) 

Administration of the goods of Edward Brunsden of St. Nicholas Cole 
Abbey, deceased, granted to brothers Walter & John Brunsden 8 Feb. 
1665-6. (See Commisary Ct. London, Book 21, fo. 54.) 



Administration of the goods &c of Robert Branson of Stepney granted 
to Widow Frances 5 May 1666. (See Com'y Ct. Book 21, fo. 66.) 



A thorough search has been made of Wiltshire Wills. It has revealed 
the Will of the brother of Robert Bronsdon of Boston, but nothing to con- 



XVI 



PREFACE. 



nect their family with certainty to other Wiltshire Bronsdons. Therefore 
the parents of our Kobert will probably be found elsewhere. The Bronsdon 
family being one of the oldest in England, dating back before the Conquest, 
were early widely scattered throughout the kingdom. Several of the name 
are found among the graduates of Oxford College, and one of them has a 
memorial tablet in Dorsetshire (south of Co. Wilts). 



Memoranda. 

Capt. Thomas Bronsdon, ship builder of London, died 28 August, 1736. 

Will of Benjamin Bronsdon of St. Andrews Undershoft, London, was 
proved 8 Sept., 1738. 

Elizabeth, widow of William Bronsdon, died 31 Dec, 1779, ae. 101, and 
is buried in Stratford church-yard, near Salisbury, Wilts. 

A Mr. Bronsdon, ship builder, at Rotherhithe, Jan. 1746. 

John Brinsdon at Shedfield Ho. Hants, 1759. 

Lord Lyndhurst, Chancellor of England and son of Copley the artist, 
married, Mar. 13, 1819, Sarah Gray Bronsdon, daughter of Charles Brons- 
don, Esq. (spelled also "Brunsdon" and '< Brunsdell"). 

There are very few Bronsdons in England at the present day. 

There is a recent branch of the Brinsdon family in America which is 
noticed in Appendix XI, p. 285. 



ORTHOGRAPHY. 

In the article upon the ancient source of Bronsdon, we perceive the 
gradual evolution of the name : Braunteston, Brontiston, Brondeston, 
Bronston, Bronsdon, Brunsdon and Brinsdon. In England and America 
the name is rare, and is spelled with remarkable diversity. Here are some 
of the forms of spelling Bronsdon met with in our researches : 



Brandon 

Brondon 

Broaden 

Bransden 

Branson 

Bransdle 

B road es den 

Bransdon 



Brondson 
B runs en 
Brundson 
Brunson 
Bromdon 
Brumden 
Brumdon 
Brown ston 



Bronesden 

Bromden 

Bromsdell 

Brunsdell 

Brunsdel 

Brandsdle 

Brimsdon 

Brinnesden 



Brinsdel 

Brinsdell 

Brimmesden 

Brinsdin 

Bronstein 

Bromsdale 

Bronsdel 

Bromsal 



Bronston 

Brinston 

Brunston 

Bromdon 

Bronson 

Brownsden 

Brinsdon 

Bremsdon 



Note. The great expense of genealogical research in England prevented us from 
continuing, but Wiltshire Wills were thoroughly explored, some research was made in 
Co. Essex, and London wills and records partially examined. There is no doubt but 
what the family of Kobert Bronsdon could be identified from the data we have, if it can 
be located in England. This may yet be accomplished in the future. 



PREFACE. XVll 



Also " Brouden," in which form it is found in tlie printed book of 
owners of Copp's Hill Tombs. 

There is a Connecticut family descended from John Bronson, or Brown- 
son, of Hartford, 1636. During the earlier generations these families, being 
widely separated by location, did not conflict ; but one of the Bronsons is 
indexed as Bronsdon by mistake in the Suffolk Eegistry of Deeds. Brandon 
is used -by copyists who assume to know another person's name better than 
he does himself. Witness the use of Brandon in the intention of marriage 
and marriage record of Benjamin^, Junior, and Elizabeth (Foxcroft) Brons- 
don. 



EXPLANATORY OF METHOD, ABBEEVIATIONS, ETC., USED IN 

THIS WORK. 

The abbreviations are such as are in common use, and are easily under- 
stood : d. for died, m. for married, b. for born, res. resides or residence, fam. 
for family. 

When the State is not mentioned, Massachusetts is to be understood. 

Each descendant has received a number at the left of the name, no two 
having the same Arabic numeral, except in case of husband and wife. This 
is called the Genealogical number. In the descendants of John Box, Part 
Second, the Genealogical number is prefixed by the letter B, which becomes 
a part of the number, thus distinguishing the Hoskins branch from the 
Bronsdons ; for, although the Bronsdons descend from John Box, the 
Hoskinses do not descend from Robert Bronsdon. 

Generations are shown by a small Arabic numeral at the right of the 
name, just above the line. Lineal descendants have it at the right of Brons- 
don ; direct descendants through female branches have it at the right of the 
Christian name. 

The number of children is designated by small Roman numerals, 
thus : iv. 



Contents. 



Page 

Synopsis of Families Included in Bkonsdon and Box Genealogy, iii 

Preface, by Mrs. Harriet F. Parker v 

Early Origin of the Name and Family of Bronsdon .... viii 

Old English Bronsdon Wills xii 

Orthography of Bronsdon. Method, Abbreviations, etc. . xvi, xvii 

Part I. Descendants of Robert Bronsdon 1 

Part II. Descendants of John Box 205 

Appendices : 

I. Bant Family of Boston 254 

II. Ancestry of Abigail (Baker) Bronsdon 266 

III. Ancestry of Patty (Farrar) Bronsdon 270 

IV. Ancestry of Ruth (Rich) Bronsdon 271 

V. Ancestry of Louisa (McDuffee) Bronsdon 271 

VI. Ancestry of Caroline E. (Mann) Marsh ....... 272 

VII. Ancestry of Jno. Gould Loring 274 

VIII. Ancestry of Creighton W. Parker 275 

IX. Ancestry of Peter Vallette 276 

X. Box Family in England and America 281 

XI. Brinsdon Family in United States 285 

XII. Ancestry of William Hoskins 285 

(Appendix XII, contributed by Mrs. Eleanor (IIoskins) Waitt ) 

Corrections and Additions to Genealogy . . , 300 

Index of Names in Genealogy 301 

ILLUSTRATIONS. 

Harriet F., Wife of (525) Creighton W. Parker, Frontispiece 

Bronsdon Coat of Arms Decorated with Symbols of Amer- j9^']|; 

ican Independence x 

(196) Capt. Bant Bronsdon^ (born 1721) 92 

Chair which Belonged to Capt. Bant Bronsdon^ .... 95 
(282) Silhouettes of Mr. and Mrs. John Box Bronsdon* and 
Six of their Children, with Autograph of Robert 

Bronsdon^ 106 

(299) Mrs. Thos. H. Marsh (Sarah Curtis Bronsdon^) .... 120 

(434) Col. Lucius Bolles^ Marsh (with Autograph) 124 

(B 1) John Box Bible, Printed 1708 140 

(485) Margaret M. (Bronsdon) Parker and (526) Margaret E. 

Pakker 148 

(603) Mrs. David C. Allison (Mary Jackson Bronsdon^) . . . 180 

Box and Hoskins Old Family Silver 205 

xix 



/ 



PART I. 

ROBERT BRONSDOr AND His Descendants. 



Egbert Bronsdon, our first emigrant ancestor of the name of Brons- 

don, was b. , 1638-39 in England (see preceding pages for 

English relatives of Eobert Bronsdon) and d. in Boston, Province of Mas- 
sachusetts Bay, Nov. 22, 1701. His death is recorded by Samuel Sewall in 
his diary, as follows: -Nov. 23, 1701. M^ Brunsdon died the ni^ht 
before." ° 

The first mention of Robert Bronsdon in the colonial records, so far as 
yet discovered, was in 1667, when he was 29 years of age. He may have 
married in England and have been a widower, but we have no proof of it. 

We find that he married three times in New England. First marriage 
at Lynn, about ten miles north-east of Boston. 

" Robert Brimsdell (or Bronsdell) merchant of Boston and Bathsheba 
Richards of Lynn, April 15, 1667." 

There is no record of the second marriage, but it is abundantly proved. 

Robert Bronsdon and Mrs. Rebeckah (Hett ?) Cooley, Jan. (?) — , 
1678. (For proofs, see later.) Mrs. Rebeckah Bronsdon was living in 1689.' 

The third marriage is recorded in the books of the Second or " Okie 
North Meeting House." 

" By the Rev. Cotton Mather, Robert Bronsdon to Hannah Breeme 
Apr. 12, 1694." Mrs. Hannah or " Anna " Bronsdon died in 1730. 

Mrjht Child)-en, all b. at the North End of Boston : 
(Of Robert and Bathsheba). 
(2) i. Mary Bronsdon", b. Sept. 22, 1668; d. youn- 

^^^ 11. Elizabeth Bronsdon^, b. Aug. 27, 1670 (?)° d. Dec 9 17'>1 • m 
Samuel Greenwood. See below. ' ' 

iii. Mary Bronsdon^, b. Aug. 27, 1670; d. Sept. 5, 1737; m. Capt. 
Jonathan Evans. See below ^ 

iv. Joseph Bronsdon^ b. Aug. 7, 1672 ; d. , 1697, perhaps left 

widow, ''Desire or Dinah Brinsdell of Lynn." 

* yoTE. _ In the earliest deeds and records connected with our ancestor, his name 
IS most frequently given as Robert " Brimsdon." 



(3) 

(4) 
(5) 



2 - PART I. 

(Of Egbert and Rebeck ah). 

(6) V. Rebeckah Bronsdon:', b. Oct. 7, 1679 ; d. young. 

(7) vi. Sarah Bronsdon", b. , 1682 ; d. , 1762 ; m. William 

Clark. See below. 

(8) vii. B.ohert Bronsdon", b. July 28, 1684 ; d. Oct. 13, 1695. 

(9) viii. Benjamin Bronsdon", b. Aug. 30, 1686; d. Apr. 12, 1757; m. first, 

Mary Bant, who d. Oct. 6, 1751 ; m. second, Elizabeth . 

No record of any children by third wife. 

BIOGRAPHY OF ROBERT BRONSDOK 

It matters little to us, beyond the gratification of curiosity, whether 
our far-back ancestors were nobles or peasants, for under American insti- 
tutions nobility consists of noble deeds. 

It is of more importance to ascertain their virtues, and, happily, we 
have the testimony of the Rev. Cotton Mather to the worth of our ancestor. 

In Vol. II, p. 489, of the " Magnalia," Mather's semi-historical work on 
New England, occurs the following acknowledgment: 

'' Worthy persons bearing some of the expense of producing the INIag- 
nalia, — CtOv"- Stoughton, Sam' Sewall Esq'", John Foster Escf, Adam 
Winthrop Escf and "my good friends M'' Robert Bronsdon and M^ Samuel 
Lely are those that have kindly mecenated my labors and may their names 
be found written in the Lambs Book of Life as well as ours." 

In 1674 the name of Robert Bronsdon appeared upon a preliminary 
tax list, from which the regular tax list was compiled. That is missing, 
but in others, 1676 and 1689, which have been preserved, we have a list of 
his possessions. 

See book of possessions, p. 146, for year 1689. 

''Mr. Robert Bremsdon. 

2 heads of family. 

30 housings and wharf, 

1 horse. 

1 cowe. 

50 'Trades' (vessels?) also Mr. Robert Brimsdon owned 'one 

neagroo.' " 

This list alone indicates that the Bronsdon family of Boston possessed 
means of obtaining every luxury and advantage known to the wealthier 
colonists. The meagerness of most inventories of those times show with 
what difficulty money was gained, and indeed there was but a small 
amount of it in circulation. 

Robert Bronsdon was educated as well, and was honorable in his deal- 
ings. When he died there were no debts against his estate, and we cannot 
find that he was referred to other than in terms of esteem and respect. He 
was an active and important factor in the upbuilding of the North End of 



BRONSDON FAMILY. 



Boston. He erected several handsome brick houses and also buildings for 
commercial purposes. His matrimonial alliances were made with discretion. 
He added much to the commercial importance of Boston, and it is an incon- 
trovertible fact that the merchants who built up foreign and coastwise trade 
did as much and more for the growth and well being of their country as did 
those who held the offices of selectmen, tythingmen, etc. Public office in 
the seventeenth century was not a matter of such moment as it became in 
after years. Only once have we found it on record that our ancestor held 
any office in the town of Boston, and doubtless he took it upon himself at 
that time, because the spirit of laAvlessness demanded that the best and most 
influential citizens should stand for its suppression. 
The record reads as follows : 

"March 1675-6. Robert Brinnesden elected constable and impowered 
to give notice to several persons by virtue of a law for preventing excessive 
drinking and disorder in private houses." 

On Nov. 11, 1678, Mr. Robert Bronsdon (and others) took the oath of 
allegiance administered by Gov. Leverett. He was then about 40 years 
old, but not until 1690 was he made " freeman," explained by the fact that 
for several years the custom fell into decay. 

The early records of Boston were carelessly kept. Late in the seven- 
teenth century it was voted in Town Meeting " That the Bookes of the 
Register of births and deaths in the Town of Boston shall be demanded by 
the selectmen in whose hands soever they be." Not until 1698 were they 
kept in book form ; before that they were written on loose sheets and kept 
in private houses, and many were lost. Thus it is often impossible to trace 
old Boston families in all their branches and relationships. Neither is 
existing material freely accessible. Much of it is buried in private hands 
or close societies, although additions are often made to printed records, and 
more liberal methods are being adopted in the dissemination of facts. Even 
the author of that magnificent work, the " Memorial History of Boston," 
apologizes for omissions in his work regarding the earlier families. How- 
ever, nothing can restore the precious records and documents destroyed by 
the numerous fires which devastated Boston in the early days, notably, the 
one which destroyed the Town House in 1747. 

An article published in the New England Historical-Genealogical 
Register, see Vol. XXXV, p. 361, by Hon. Robert H. Eddy, a Boston mer- 
chant who died about thirteen years ago, gives some facts in regard to 
Robert Bronsdon, which were obtained from his ancestress, Mrs. Martha 
(Bronsdon) Eddy, born 1742. He states that Robert Bronsdon, a distin- 
guished merchant of Boston, was born 1638, came from London, that he 
loaned money to William Phipps (afterward Sir William Phipps) to enable 
him to search for Spanish gold in the sunken treasure ship " Hispaniola." 



4 PART I. 

William Phipps was a member of the Second Church, as well as Eobert 
Bronsdon. 

Persons of wealth were often called upon to " stand surety "' or vouch 
for newly arrived residents, as a guaranty against their becoming a charge on 
the town. Robert Bronsdon appears in two of these transactions. 

" I, Robert Bronsdon, doe binde myselfe to Thomas Brattle, treas., in 
the sume of Fortie pounds that Robert Fothergill shall not be chargeable to 
the town. Witness March 11, 1680-1. 

Robert Fothergill. Robert Bronsdon." 

One hundred years later the families of Bronsdon and Fothergill were 
living on terms of friendship, Bronsdons acting as sponsors in baptism for 
Fothergill infants, etc. 

Without date, " Robert Bronsdon (Brimsdon) merchant, became surety 
to the town for John Collier and family." This John Collier was of Salem 
in 1701, where he had purchased an estate with the assistance of Robert 
Bronsdon, who loaned him money on mortgage. 

In Vol. 12, p. 115, Massachusetts Historical Society Proceedings, is a 
copy of an old paper, as follows : 

" An account of Severall Ships and Vessels Trading Irregularly in the 
Ports of Boston, Salem, New London, &c in New England. 

The 18th day of Aprill 1689. The Pink Mary of Boston, William 
Blake, Master, loaden with 148 ho'^'^^ of Tobacco for which Bond was given 
in Maryland to carry the same for England but against the Master's will 
was put Ashore in Boston by the Owners (M"" Russell, Magistrate and M"^ 
Bronsdell (Brinisdell) owners) of the vessell whereby their Majesties lost 
above £1000 Sterling in the Customes. The Master complained thereof to 
the Gov'" but had no redress." 

A few words concerning the Commerce of Boston will aid in under- 
standing Robert Bronsdon's position and the difficulties merchants had to 
encounter. 

At first the colonists were employed in agriculture, hunting and fishing, 
but as their wealth increased they began to build ships and to busy them- 
selves in commerce. In 1675, vessels were engaged in trade with Spain, 
Fayal, Madeira, West Indies and the British Isles. The principal imports 
were to Boston, from which was shipped, coastwise, goods to other American 
ports. English merchants desired to control the trade of the Colonies, and 
in 1651 Parliament passed the first of what were known as ''Navigation 
Acts," which forbade the Colonies to trade with any country except Eng- 
land ; also, foreign ships were forbidden American ports. These acts which 
harassed commerce, and, later, manufactures, compelled merchants to 
engage in trade forbidden by law and also, by the payment of heavy bribes 
to revenue officers, to seek an opportunity for illegal foreign markets. 

These annoyances gradually increased until Sir Edmund Andros was 



BRONSDON FAMILY. 



sent over from England in 1G86 to demand the charter of Massachusetts 
Colony. This was surrendered, but in 1689 the incensed people seized 
Andros and sent him back to England. They were emboldened to this by 
the Revolution in England, when James II was driven from the throne and 
William and Mary became the ruling powers. The old charter was never 
restored, but William and Mary granted a new charter in 1691, by which 
the colonies of Plymouth and Massachusetts Bay, the Province of Maine 
and the territory of Nova Scotia were united into one colony by the name 
of Massachusetts Bay, and this remained in force until the Revolutionary 
War. 

^ On the 7th of February, 1682, Mr. Bronsdon and others petitioned His 
Majesty's Officers for redress of certain grievances in regard to customs 
charges. (See Colonial Archives.) 

In Vol. 5, pp. 382-3 of Massachusetts Archives, we find a copy of 
court proceedings, as follows : 

5 Jany 1682. 

Present. — Symon Bradstreet Esq. Gov., Thomas Danforth Esq. Dep. 
Gov., and nine others. 

"Att the opening of the Court the Honno'ble Govnno'' acquainted the 
Magis'« & company mett (seuverall mags'^ & deputyes from the southward 
not being able to come by reason of the extremity of the weather by deepe 
snows and floods) that he had received by M-" Foye a letter from His Mai'? 
w"' the act of his Maj'y^ most honn'ble council his maj^y being present which 
were mett and communicate to the whole Court then mett w"> another letter 
from his Maj^y ke^t by M'" Mason ab' a fortnight after October Court was 
up — tho' a copy of it signed by M-" Chamberlayne was made publick &c 
also our agents two letters w»^ copies of M-- Randolphs complaints to the 
comissioners of the customs of England w'^^ a copy of M^ Bronsons complaint 
to the lords of his raajestys most honnoVble privy council &c w^Ji are not 
only on file but m the council books recorded word for word. After the 
communication of the above mentioned the Court judged it raeete to keep the 

day of February as a solemn day to seeke the face of God and guidanc 

and direction from Him in so weighty a matter which was donn. 

The Court mett on the 9th instant February & after a further p vsall 
and comunication adjourned themselves till the 14th instant & 

When the whole Court mett and so from day to day were on the due 
consideration and debate of and about so momentuous a discharg of their 
duty to God, his Maj^^ and the concerns of the country and in fine the 
Court centered their conclusion of duty in an humble address to his Maj^y 
comission and letters to our agents, a letter to the W Honno^'*^ S-- Lionel 
Jenkm one of his Maj'^^ principall secretary s of State w«> a general addresse 
and general supscriptions of the inhabitants directed by way of most 
humble peticoiis to his maj^y all which w'h copies of seuverall cases as M^ 
Keep M'' Bronsdons & seuverall others were sent to our agents in and by 
M-- Thomas Joells master of Ship Richard in a box, which adresses, com- 
mission, instructions to our agent & letter at large recorded verbatim the 
acts of the council. 



PAKT I. 



It is ordered that there be a day of humiljation kept by the Court 
together on Tuesday next being the 13th of the instant Februaxy m the 
towne house at eight of the clock in the morning and that the Leund M 
Mather and W Willard be desired to preach and as many of the Keund 
elders neighboring be by their deputyes desired to be present also to implore 
divine direction and assistance in weighty matters now before the Court. 

An address accompanied this report, commencing "Most gracious 
gracious drad Soveraigne," in which was the following, appeal : 

'' Clouds of fear have arisen in the minds of very many good subjects 
lest we be deprived of those liberties and privileges which we hold in such 
high esteem and which ourselves and progenitors been at such great hazard 
& charge & encountered such extreme difficulties for the enjoyment 
thereof." 

Among the State papers in London is one bearing date of 1681, in 
which New England was estimated to contain 120,000 souls. It is also 
mentioned that " Fifteen merchants were worth £5000 each. The number 
of families was 1500. A freeman must then be worth as much as £200." 

Robert Bronsdon's estate inventoried £5000 in 1701, and that sum did 
not include the whole amount. 

Sir William Phipps' estate amounted to £3377 ; Thomas Kellond left 
£4884 in 1683 ; Samuel Corwin of Salem, the builder of the celebrated 
Witch house, died in 1685, with upwards of £5900, and was one of the 
richest men of that time ; Peter Sargeant was worth £3300 in the year 

1715. 

In 1673 Robert Bronsdon was one of a company of public spirited and 
moneyed men of Boston, who commenced the construction of the " Barri- 
cado" or "Out wharves," which was 2200 feet long, and separated 
at intervals to allow of the passage of vessels. There were 41 per- 
sons engaged in the enterprise, and each one contracted to build from 
20 to 120 running feet, in a substantial manner, to be about 15 feet high 
and 20 feet in breadth at the top, of sufficient strength to answer the pur- 
pose of a fortification on which heavy guns could be mounted. Atlantic 
Avenue now occupies about the same track as the Out wharves, and was 
constructed partly with earth obtained by the levelling of Fort Hill. (See 
Shurtleff's Description of Boston.) 

Drake says " The ' Olde Wharfe ' was a great circular sea wall built 
for purposes of defence by a number of the wealthy citizens of Boston at 
their own expense, saving that they thereby acquired ownership to the flats 
between the wall and the shore. In consequence many estates for a century 
and a half bounded on the circular line." 

The proprietors of the Sconce Division of wharfing as taken from Mr. 
Kendall's book in 1681, included among others, " Mr. Brondson 58| feet." 
The •' Sconce " was at the South End, or what is now India wharf. The 



BRONSDON FAMILY. 



Barricado was designed as a protection against invasion, particularly by the 
Dutch, who settled in New York and were inclined to push eastward. Mr. 
Bronsdon owned 150 feet of this wharf. 

By marriage to the Widow Cooley he acquired another large portion of 
the Out Wharf, built by Henry Cooley. Mr. Bronsdon had already built a 
wharf 100 feet deep. He also owned a wharf privilege purchased of John 
Paine. On Bronsdon's Wharf he let space for dockage of vessels. 

Robert Bronsdon was a member of the Second Church of Boston, the 
church of the Mathers. 

This church was gathered in IGoO. The first meeting house was built 
in North Square in 1649, burnt in 1676, rebuilt in 1677, and torn down 
for fuel by order of the British General Howe, in 1775. It was called the 
"Old North." In 1721 a church called the "New Brick" was built in 
Hanover Street by seceders from the Old North. After the destruction of 
their ancient house the worshippers of the Old North re-united with those 
of the New Brick, under Rev. Dr. Lathrop, June 27, 1779, again forming 
one society, and taking Avith their pastor the name and records of the Sec- 
ond Church. Several more changes of location have since occurred, and at 
the present day the church is located on Boylston Street, near Dartmouth, 
and its faith is Congregational-Unitarian. 

For nearly a century and a half the names of Bronsdon and related 
families appear in its records, which have proved of great value to us in 
this work. 

When Robert Bronsdon and Bathsheba Richards were wedded April 15, 
1667, the spring was, as an old chronicler informs us, unusually forward, 
and apple trees were all abloom. 

Edward Richards, the father of Bathsheba, was a joiner or builder, 
born 1616, adm. freeman 1641, and resided on Essex Street, in the eastern 
part of Lynn, Massachusetts ; his descendants of the name remain. On 
the 3d of April, 1646, he sold to Daniel King a parcel of' land called 
Windmill Hill, being the east mound of what was later Sagamore Hill. 
He d. Jan. 26, 1689-90, aged 74 years. His wife Ann survived him. They 
had several children. The ancestral Richards home is now the Fay Estate, 
Lynn. Bathsheba's name appears with her husband's in certain deeds of 
real estate. , 

The Bronsdon home was at the North End of Boston, on what was 
later- Ship Street, then called " The Way from the old North Meeting House 
to Winnisimmet Ferry " or " Merry's Point." The estate is described in a 
deed from Paine to Bronsdon, recorded Jan. 16, 1672. (See Book 30 
leaf 28, Suffolk Deeds) : 

" Bought of John Paine land in Boston on highway abutting on lane 
to the Buriall place (Copp's Hill) also dwelling house, brew-house and land 



8 PART I. 



at North End on the street leading from the North Meeting house towards 
Merrys Point (Chelsea Ferry) bounded by John Maverick on the N.W., 
John Paine on the S.W. and Joshua Davis on the N.E." 

John Hull's release, dated Sept. 30, 1674, gives further details : — 
He describes the house as '^ the one Bronsdon now lives in also brew house 
with utensils, pump and well, fruite trees and other trees, 53 feet next the 
street by the sea side running back from said street 115^ feet, running 
along by a peere tree to a stake also a privilege of 12 feet upon the wharf 
of John Paine and land and housing near adjoining for shipping and load- 
ing goods and other liberties." (See Book 10, leaf 29, Suffolk Deeds.) 

Robert and his bride may have sailed from Lynn to Boston, as was 
the easier mode of travel, or they may have ridden on horse-back in order 
to enjoy the beautiful Spring sights and sounds. Until within the memory 
of the writer, the marshes which they would have had to cross were but 
little changed by the passage of a century or more of time. 

" The long dead level of the marsh a coloring of unreal beauty wore 
Through the soft golden mist of young love seen." 

Half way to Boston they would surely have stopped at " The Anchor 
Tavern," where the smiling landlord, Joseph Armitage, would have given 
them his most bounteous attention. Robert Bronsdon frequented this old 
inn, as many of his business papers show, which for one hundred and 
seventy years was the most celebrated hostelry in Essex county, and counted 
among its guests the most noted men of the times. For an excellent pic- 
ture of it, having the true old-time flavor, see " Lynn and Surroundings," 
by Clarence W. Hobbs, 1886. 

In two or three years after Bathsheba went to live in Boston a family 
named Cooley bought an estate adjoining them. Henry Cooley was a cooper, 
and had bought the " lance " (cooper) shop of Henry Fane. The Cooleys 
were prosperous, and owned much real estate. " Henery Cooley's greate 
stone wall " was a landmark in the neighborhood. Sometime after 1672, 
Bathsheba died, leaving three little children motherless. Who stepped in 
to take the mother's place we cannot know, but in the light of after events 
we may assume much neighborly kindness from Mrs. Cooley. 

In 1677, trouble came to the Cooley family also, for the husband and 
father went to his long home. We find no record of his death, but letters 
of administration issued to his widow tell the story. 

" By Honourable John Leverett Estf Gov"" by Edward Tyng assistant, 
June 30, 1677. 

•'' Power of administration upon the estate of Henry Cooley, late of Bos- 
ton, deceased, is granted to Rebeckah his relict in right of herself children 
and others therein She giving security to the administer according to 



BRONSDON FAMILY. 



law, and bringing in an inventory of the estate upon oath." Signed by 
Isaac Addington. 

Feb. 15, 1670, Henry Cooley purchased an estate at the North End, 
and in March, 1673, he bought of Henry Fane his lance shop. 

Dec. 29, 1676, Thomas Clarke conveyed to Cooley for £120, land and 
buildings at the North End, bounded N. E. on the Highway before the 
New Meeting house. This was a fine estate in North Square. 

Jan. 8, 1676, Liberty granted to Henry Cooley to build cellar wall, 
leaving 22 feet to the street. 

Henry Cooley built 40 feet of the out wharves. 

In a tax list of 1674, he pays town tax of 8 shillings and county tax 
of 7 shillings. 

In the birth records appear three children born to Henry and Rebeckah 
Cooley : — 

i. Rebeckah Cooley, b. Nov. 25, 1669 ; d. in infancy, 
ii. Mary Cooley, b. Feb, 24, 1671. 
iii. Henry Cooley, b. July 7, 1676. 

All these children had died before 1680. The inventory returned by 
the Widow Cooley comprised house-furnishing of a variety and quality pos- 
sessed only by well-to-do families, besides considerable real estate. 

Rebeckah relied upon her neighbor Mr. Bronsdon for guidance in busi- 
ness affairs ; we find proof of it in the following '' surrender " when 
Robert Bronsdon signed as witness, '' Rebeckah Cooley did give up 20 of the 
40 feet of the out or grand wharf in obedience to a receipt produced by Nich- 
olas Moulder for £30 that he paid Henry Coulley for the same." This 
paper is dated Dec. 17, 1677, and is the last time she appears as Mrs. 
Cooley in the records. 

On Sept. 8, 1678, she was received into the covenant at the Second 
Church as Rebeckah Bronsdon. 

Oct. 7, 1679, a daughter, Rebeckah, was born to Robert and his wife. 
(See records of Second Church.) 

Mrs. Rebeckah Bronsdon is the ancestress of all who bear the name of 
Bronsdon, also of the descendants of Mrs. Sarah Clark. The marriage was 
eminently suitable. She was of an aspiring turn of mind, for soon the 
Bronsdons were engaged in building a fine new mansion house, to which 
they removed. 

It seems fitting to introduce here a few extracts from various writers, 
descriptive of the Boston of the time we are now writiu"- 

In 1675, '' The equality of fortunes was remarkable, even for that age 
of simple habits, general industry and morality. There were only 15 or 20 
merchants with so much as £500 apiece, but there were no beggars. Indian 
wigwams and the thousand habitations of the people sent their smoke into 



10 PART I. 

the self same heavens. Indian canoes and fishing and coasting craft, as 
well as merchantmen loading for the West Indies, Spain and Africa, floated 
on the waters of the harbor. A score of Indian tribes yet maintained a 
foothold in Eastern Massachusetts, part of which was then primeval forest." 

In a quaint book of travels, written in 1672, we read that the town 
(Boston) was rich and populous. " The houses are for the most part raised 
on the sea banks, many of them standing upon piles close together on each 
side of the street as in London, and furnished with many fair shops. Their 
materials are of brick, stone and lime, handsomely contrived with their 
meeting houses and a town house built upon pillars where the Merchants 
confer. On the south side there is a small but pleasant Common where the 
gallants walk with their marmalet madams at sunset until the 9 o'clock bell 
rings them to their respective habitations when presently the Constables 
walk their rounds with lanthorns to see that good order is kept." 

" The North End was then the most elegant and populous part of 
Boston. The situation was delightful with an easy slope to the harbor and 
fine views both landward and seaward. The houses of the merchants stood 
on the harbor front overlooking their warehouses and commanding a view 
of the sparkling waters through the towering masts of their ships. In 
1675 there were 7000 inhabitants in Boston." 

" Gentry in America then consisted of those who were gentry in Eng- 
land also the clergy and college graduates and the richest persons of those 
engaged in mercantile and marine pursuits. These elements combined 
by intermarriage to form an aristocracy Avhose claims as such were admitted 
by all." Equality of station was a thing unknown in New England 
as well as in old England. The costume of a gentleman in Robert 
Bronsdon's day was "coat and waist coat of imported cloth, knee breeches, 
fine linen, silken hose and shoes with silver buckles. A gold headed cane 
of some rare West Indian wood was usually carried by those of middle age. 
Periwigs were worn." 

These brief extracts from the writings which survive those times give 
small hi:it of the Avealth of colonial lore accessible to the reader, and which 
must always possess a fascination for a certain intelligent class in the com- 
munity. 

In 1692 or 1693, death once more invaded the home of the Bronsdons, 
removing the wife and mother. Of Mrs. Rebeckah Bronsdon's parentage 
we are not able to give certain information. The question may never be 
satisfactorily answered, yet Ave think it will. Robert Bronsdon owned a 
house in Charlestown, the old Hett estate, which in some way was connected 
in ownership with Rebeckah's relatives. The Hetts were an old and respected 
family, attendants at the Second Church. They inter-married with Lyndes 
and Willards. There was a Thomas Hett who married Annie Needham of 
Boston, and died 1688 aged 75 years. Thomas Hett was of Cambridge 



BRONSDON FAMILY. H 



1G32, Hingham 1637, and also of Charlestown and Maiden. His widow 
Anne sold (to Everton) her garden in 1681, and her heirs, Hannah Hurry, 
Mehitabell Turner, Mary Frothingham and Dorothy Hett, conveyed half 
the house (in Charlestown) to Funnel) Everton, and Everton mortgaged it 
to Robert Bronsdon, and it finally became his property. In the division of 
his estate, his and Eebeckah's daughter, Sarah, received this old Hett house 
as a part of her inheritance. Hannah Hurry afterward married a Mr. 
Rand, (See Wyman's Charlestown Estates for Hett ; also abstract of deed 
from Middlesex Registry later given in this book), and she may have been 
Rebeckah's sister. 

All the lineal descendants of Robert Bronsdon are through his only 
surviving son, Benjamin Bronsdon^, whose mother was Rebeckah. 

Note. — Lineal descendants are those bearing the surname as well as the blood 
of an ancestor. Others of the blood, but of different surnames, are direct descendants. 
Of course, a lineal descendant is also directly descended. In both the second and third 
generations the Bronsdon name came near to extinction. In the fourth generation 
tliere were but four males, two of whom only are known to have lineal descenants in 
the United States, aiid they are few in number, the name being rare, and the same is 
true of the Bronsdon or Brinsdon family in England. 

Our ancestor exemplified human nature with fidelity in his three 
marriages. Bathsheba Richards and he Avere young together; while esteem 
was undoubtedly present as a factor in the second marriage, yet both parties 
found gratification for ambition in the match. The third wife was about 
the age of Robert Bronsdon's eldest daughter, and their union was typical 
of December and May. 

Hannah Breenie, or Breame, was the daughter of Benjamin and Anne 
Breame of Hingham, and was born July 26, 1668. She had a brother, 
Robert Breame, who married Ann Barnes, and thus arose the mistake of Mr. 
Savage, who states in his great genealogical Avork that Robert Bronsdon 
married Ann Barnes, but adding a well founded expression of doubt as to 
the correctness of his assumption. 

Mrs. Hannah Bronsdon invariably signed her name " Anna." She may 
have disliked plain, old-fashioned humdrum living as well as old-fashioned 
names, and so have appreciated highly those luxuries with Avhich wealth 
could surround her. That she was a companion for the children, without 
haughty assumption of authority, is easily divined by the arrangements 
made for her in her husband's will a few years later, and no doubt her 
Avishes Avere his guide in the matter. There is reference to a ••' marriage con- 
tract," but the document has not been preserved. "Previous to this union, 
Elizabeth and Mary Bronsdon had been married, and were settled in homes 
of their own near their father's house. Possibly Joseph Bronsdon was also 
married and settltid at Lynn. His name appears in some of the transac- 
tions connected with the "Spring Pond " Estate, his grandfather Richards' 



12 PART I. 

early home, and which his uncle, Daniel Richards, had sold to Robert 
Bronsdon, styling it in the deed of conveyance an '< estate of inheritance." 
Young Joseph Bronsdon died a short time before his father, about 1697. 

In the Lynn records we find that Thomas Dwinell married a Desire 
or Dinah Brimsdell (or Bronsdell) of Lynn (''so called"), in May, 1701. 
(See Dvvinnell Genealogy.) There were three minor children when Mr. 
Bronsdon married his third wife, viz., Sarah, aged 14 years, and Robert, Jr.^ 
and Benjamin, 10 and 8 years respectively. Robert, Jr., died the next year, 
1695, and in 1697 (probably) Joseph the eldest son passed away. These 
cruel bereavements must have been felt very sensibly by their father, who 
ever manifested strong parental regard for his children. While in the full 
tide of affairs, building new houses, developing his property in every direc- 
tion, with his laden ships at sea, Robert Bronsdon was stricken with a fatal 
illness. Evidently it was a sudden illness. Samuel Sewall in speaking of his 
death expressed a hope that " the sickness " would not return. Our ances- 
tor must have felt that his time had come, for his will was made only six- 
teen days before his death. 

It is a model of good English and correct spelling, as well as indicative 
of justice and warm attachment to relatives and friends. Undoubtedly the 
composition is his own, and the signature is firm and elegant. 

A few days before the will was made, ere his illness was deemed seri- 
ous, the Hon. Waitstill Winthrop, his neighbor, called upon him, and an 
unpleasant encounter followed, which Winthrop wrote about in a letter to 
a friend. This letter has been preserved, and its reading will provoke a- 
smile from every true Bronsdon we doubt not. 

" Boston Nov'\ 3"*, 1701. 
Dear Brother 

I intended when Court was over to have com 
that way (New London, Conn.) but going to visit on Neibour Brinsdell who- 
is ill last Thursday night his dogg bit thre holes in the small of my legg to 
the bone which has been so angry and painful to me I have not been able to- 
stir since and I fear will lay me up all winter though it is a little easier 
to day." (See Mass. Hist. Soc. Proceedings, Vol. 5, p. 102.) 

Winthrop's wharf was between Bronsdon's and Richards' wharves. 

In our history of the life of our ancestor there is much left to conjec- 
ture. Still to the observant mind a great deal is evident that is not a mat- 
ter of set records. First, there is the bold, resolute, adventurous young- 
Englishman, probably a "mariner," quite likely master of his own vessel, 
who, in his visits to the colony, is quick to apprehend the opportunities 
awaiting him for trade and investment. He is not one of those who, having 
crossed the ocean, must perforce stay even though affrighted at the savage- 
ness of the new land where a mere handful of civilized people cling to the 



BRONSDON FAMILY. 13 



outer border of the unknown. But Robert Bronsdon has a heart for such a 
trial ; he has means to live well in England, and has many dear friends 
there, but he enjoys the sense of power which his success affords him, and 
he values liberty, — so zealous is he of those liberties that their infringe- 
ment rouses him to manly protest. Withal he is modest. In his domestic 
and church relations, he appears blameless. He is methodical and exact. 
No debts are left for his executor to pay, except those incurred after his ill- 
ness and for his funeral expenses. He meets death as he has ever the 
exigencies of life, with faith and resignation for himself, and earnest 
thought and preparation for the future of his loved ones who must live 
without his care with his only son doomed to a long and expensive 
minority. 

All this and more may be read between the lines, which tell us of his 
life and achievement. 

The printed records tell us of his possessions, his home and the arti- 
cles of furniture within it, his neighbors, friends and business associates, 
his church and pastors, and much more. One relic of him survives. A 
large and finely printed book published in 1683, and written by Nathaniel 
Ingelo. The title "Bentivolio and Urania." It is a learned treatise on 
morality and religion, slightly disguised in story form, seasoned with liberal 
Greek quotations, and shows its author to have been much in advance of 
his time in refinement and liberality of sentiment. 

It is dedicated to William, Lord Brereton, of Brereton, Cheshire Co., 
England. 

The estate of Robert Bronsdon is charged with a sum equal to about 
$1200.00 for the expenses of his funeral. 

In Sewall's Diary there is a hiatus of twelve days after his announce- 
ment of Mr. Bronsdon's death, and we have not discovered any account of 
the ceremonies by other writers. Still such may be in existence. It has 
been remarked that history needs a revision every thirty years on account of 
the discovery of new material. 

Beyond question, the customs then in vogue obtained at our ancestor's 
burial. One writer speaking of funerals before 1730, says : 

" At that time very little sanctity attended the last rites. 

" Great parade was made at the funerals of the rich : gloves, gold 
rings and mourning scarfs were presented to those in attendance. Near 
friends acted as bearers carrying the body on a bier on the shoulders, there 
being relays as occasion required. In the procession males and females 
walked apart, but those of the same sex of the deceased and nearest in 
relationship walked nearest the remains. 

" Officers with staffs and mourning badges accompanied the procession ; 
on returning from the grave a liberal entertainment was dispensed, includ- 
ing wines and liquors. No funeral sermons were preached, which is the 



14 PART I. 

more remarkable as the good old Divines of that time were not prone to let 
slip golden opportunities of holding forth for the edification of their 
people." (See History of Lynn.) 

The burial place of the Bronsdons Avas but a stone's throw from the 
house, on Windmill (afterward Copps') Hill. The tomb Avas in what is now 
called the "Old Ground" of the <' North Burial Place," and is owned by 
the heirs of Lorenzo Burge, late of Boston. In 1718, Robert Bronsdon's son 
Benjamin had a very large tomb constructed (in a new range bordering on 
Hull Street), which is the present Bronsdon Tomb, Number One, Old Ground. 
The old tomb remained in the family until after the death of the last of 
Benjamin Bronsdon^'s children, when the heirs of the fourth generation 
empowered their oldest member, Mrs. Curtis, to sell it to William Abrams 
of Boston. The bodies were removed to the present Bronsdon tomb. There 
have been between twenty-five and thirty interments in the new tomb, the 
last being that of Sarah Dennis, a grand-daughter of Capt. Bant Bronsdon^. 

The quaint old burial place on Copp's Hill is well Avorth a visit, partic- 
ularly to those whose ancestors there " sleep their last sleep." 

Nowhere else do visions of the past so vividly arise. How much the 
place meant to them. Within a few steps they lived, joyed and suffered, 
their little ones played about the hill, or walked sedately with their elders 
upon a Sabbath twilight. Here in the dew-laden grass . one fair Bronsdon 
maid tripped along in dainty slippers, and taking cold from her imprudence, 
fell a prey to dread consumption, and now she, too, is laid in the tomb of 
her fathers. 

PvELATING TO CONVEYANCES OF REAL ESTATE. 

The deeds of property in which Robert Bronsdon was grantee or 
grantor, together with other papers relating to his estate, would, if pub- 
lished in full, make a good-sized book of themselves. We Avill therefore 
confine ourselves to brief abstracts of some (not all). 

In order to avoid confusion we will give each'group separately, but not 
strictly in rotation, viz.: Essex, Suffolk, Middlesex and York County (Me.) 
Registries. 

At the Essex Registky of Deeds, Salem, Mass. 

Thomas to Bronsdon ; recorded June 25, 1670. George Thomas con- 
veys a small parcel of land in Salem about 20 rods situated between the 
shop and land of William Curtice and the house and land of Humphrey 
Coombes and on a Avay separating it from Mary Searle. Witnessed by 
Joseph Armitadge, Edward Richards and William Howard. (See Book 3, 
leaf 83.) 

Note. Mr. Armitage, who died 1680, was the landlord of the "Anchor Tavern," 
the half-way house between Salem and Boston. Mr. Richards was Mr. Bronsdon's 
father-in-law. 



BRONSDON FAMILY. 15 



Knight to Bronsdon; 4"^ mo, 15"', 1675. John Knight conveys a house 
" 18 foot brocad and 2G foot in length with 24 poles of land in Salem that 
was formerly owned by Thomas Watson also a 10-acre lott adjoining Mr. 
Paul Thorndike in Beverly with house, land, barn, fencing," etc., for a 
consideration of 50 pounds. (Book 4, leaf 114-115.) Release signed by 
John Knight, Jun'', and Jacob Pudeator. 

Note. The possibility has been considered that Robert Bronsdon brouglit from 
England a wife with whom he resided in Salem, and that her name before marriage was 
Knight. In an old family paper (see the Greenwood Branch) this theory receives some 
conrirniation. If this was the case, the intimacy of the Knights and Bronsdons is 
explained. This family of Knight was some time of Newbm-y. Madam Sarah Knight 
witnessed the will of Robert Bronsdon, and afterward helped to do writing for the 
estate. 



" Jerson " (Ireson) to Bronsdon, Jan. 30, 1676. Samuel Ireson of Lynn 
convej'ed to Robert Bronsdon, merchant of Boston, and John Smith, butcher, 
a certain tract of land " scittuat " at Lynn containing 50 acres of upland 
and "medoAv" as it was granted to his father Edward Ireson bounded by 
land of John Hawkes and Abraham Welman together with the timber and 
timber trees, woods, mines, minerals and all appertaining thereto in equal 
shares. 

Witnessed by James Taylor. John Endicott and Thomas Kemble. 
(Book 4, leaf 146.) 

Note. This land was at North Saugus, ijear the Iron Works. Bronsdon passed 
the property by deed to Philip Knell (Neal ?). 

Hodge to Bronsdon, Aug. 8, 1685. Robert Bronsdon loaned Robert 
Hodge of Salem £100 sterling, taking a deed of house and 1 acre of land 
in Salem as security. 

Witnessed by Carbry Dermott and Laurence Walters (the latter " about 
50 years old "). Acknowledged before John Richards and Samuel J^ewhall. 

Accompanying this mortgage deed is the following '^Declaration.- — 
Robert Bronsdon aged about 46 years and Samuel Lilly (Lely ?) about 22 
years testify and depose that they were present and saAV Robert Hodge, late 
of Salem, mariner, signe, seal and as his act and deed in due forme deliver 
this deed of sale above and that these deponents set to their hands as wit- 
nesses." Sworn in Boston Oct. 24, 1685, before John Richards. Robert 
Hodge also sold his sloop "Friendship" at the same time and the "Decla- 
ration" relates to that sale also. (See Book 7, leaf 41.) 

Greeley to Bronsdon, Aug. 25, 1687. Philip Greeley for a valuable 
consideration sells house and land "no description place not given but pre- 
sumed to be Salem," to Robert Bronsdon, merchant of Boston. Witnessed 
by Joseph Bronsdon and Samuel Jones. 

Philip Greeley appeared before me one of the Councell of this His 
Majesties Territory and Dominion of New England and acknowledged the 
above written instrument to be his act and deed. (Signed) John Usher. 

Bronsdon to Greeley, Oct. 15, 1687. Robert Bronsdon of Boston "with 
consent of my now wife Rebeckah Bronsdon" conveys the house formerly 
bought of George Thomas in Salem on June 25, 1670, to Philip Greeley for 



16 PART I. 

a valuable consideration part of which is one-half part of the "Catch.'' 
Philip and Mary. 

Witnessed by John Viall Jun"" and Thomas Kemble. (Book 7, leaf 147.) 

King to Bronsdon, Feb. 24, 1693. Elizabeth, widow of Daniel King 
Sen"" by this Indenture made 24"* February 1693, in the 6th year of the 
Reign of our Sovereign Lord & Lady William & Mary and Daniel King 
eldest son of s'^ Elizabeth for a consideration of £220 do sell and convey to 
Robert Bronsdon merch' of Boston about Five hundred acres more or less in 
the town of Lynn about or almost one-half of farm lately purchased by 
Major William Browne and Mr. Benjamin Browne at Cedar Swamp running 
to Lynn Commons and Richards land and to Benjamin Farrs land and 
Swampscott pond or '' Brooke " and the Sea, with dwelling and other houses 
orchard trees and timber trees underwoods and water courses &q and it is 
further understood that the same Elizabeth and Daniel King well and truly 
pay unto Robert Bronsdon the full and just summe of £220 '* currant" 
money of New England on or before the 1st day of March 1695, and interest 
at 6 per cent for the same and also that Robert Bronsdon have liberty for 
two horses to run upon the farm of said Kings from day of date for a space 
of Two years. If the money be so paid then this Indenture shall be utterly 
void otherwise of full effect. Witnessed by William Hall, Henry Mayer 
(Mayo) and William Millborne. (Book 11, leaf 122.) 

Note. The preceding relates to the celebrated Swampscott Farm, which included 
what in recent times has been known as " Paradise," in the town of Swampscott. 

Notwithstanding that Mrs. King made every effort to raise the neces- 
sary sum from relatives and others, she did not succeed, and the land 
eventually became Robert Bronsdon's. The history of this estate is very 
interesting. 

May 6, 1635, Swampscott farm and a fresh pond with a little island 
was granted John Humphrey, Esq., Assistant of the Colony, and as he was 
to take 500 acres not nearer than five miles of any town then planted, he 
selected the land lying between North and West Saugus (afterward Lynn, 
Mass.). His lands covered about 1300 acres, but his Avife, Lady Susan, 
daughter of the Earl of Lincoln and sister of Lady Arabella Johnson, wished 
to return to England, being weary of the wilderness and wild beasts and 
Indians. At length, in 1644, Mr. Humphrey yielded to her wish and 
returned to England, selling Swampscott Farm to Sir Henry Moody, who, 
with his mother, was of the church in Salem in 1640. It was said of her 
by a contemporary author: "Lady Moody lives at Lynn but is of Salem 
church, a good woman almost undone by buying Master Humphries farm." 
Dec, 1642, Lady Moody was in Court, for "holding that the baptism of 
infants were no ordinance of God," and the next year she removed to New 
Amsterdam to enjoy liberty of conscience. The Moodys sold their property 
to the King family, which Avas an enterprising one for, in addition to 
farming and fishing, they carried on a varied sort of trade with Barbadoes. 
They became embarrassed, and in their dilemma applied to Robert Bronsdon 
for a loan, but not before they had had certain transactixjns with Major 
William and Benjamin Browne of Salem, but the title remained with the 
Kings, whose name is perpetuated in King's Beach, Swampscott. 



BRONSDON FAMILY. 17 



The Swampscott Farm bordered on the Richards estate (now the Fay 
estate), which Mr. Bronsdon purchased a few years later. 

As to tlie ultimate disposal of the Swampscott Farm, Robert Bronsdon 
sold sixty acres of the land, on which was a dwelling house and barn at 
Fishing Point, in the Towne of Linne, to Henry Mayer. The witnesses to 
the deed were Anthony Stoddard, his old neighbor and friend in Boston, 
and his son-in-law. Captain Jonathan Evans; this was in February, 1696. 
(See Essex Registry Deeds, Lib. xii, folio 72.) A few years later he disposed 
of another portion to Mr. Joseph Blaney, whose lineal descendant, Elbridge 
G. Blaney, has this year celebrated his own golden wedding in the original 
Blaney house, the estate having remained in the Blaney family for exactly 
200 years. An abstract of the deed (see Lib. xix, folio 18) is as follows : 
On Sept. 27, 1700, in consideration of ninety pounds paid by Joseph Blaney 
of Lynn, shipwright, Robert Bronsdon, merchant of Boston, conveys one 
quarter part of 200 acres, more or less, containing field and vxpland ; about 
forty-three acres more or less of Cedar Swamp, also certain " Beach ease- 
ments." (See Essex County Deeds.) The witnesses were Theophilus Burrell 
and Madam Sarah Knight (authoress of the famous Diary). Mr. Blaney 
mortgaged back the place to Robert Bronsdon and made three payments, 
one of £17 and one of £76, and the third, of £9, was paid shortly after IMr. 
Bronsdon's death in Xovember, 1701, the money being sent by "Philip 
Bread." At the same time that Robert Bronsdon sold to Joseph Blaney he 
sold 120 acres to John Burrill, maltster. 

" Three-quarter parts of field, upland and meadow, containing about 
120 acres (the other quarter part Robert Bronsdon hath sold to Joseph 
Blaney as by deed bearing even date) situated in the Towne of Lynn in a place 
commonly known by ye name of Swampscott and formerly the land of Cap- 
tain Ralph King, late of Lynn, and I purchased the same of the widow and 
his heirs, bounded on the town Commons, partly on John Richards's land, 
partly on land formerly known as Winters and partly on Benjamin Farr's 
land, west and southwest partly on land called Smith's Hill and partly on 
Walter Phillips, on the ditch wall and Joseph Blaney . . . with a 
highway privilege through the land of Walter Phillips the same as the 
widow King reserved for herself in the Phillips deed." (See Essex County 
Registry of Deeds, Lib. xiv., folio 223.) 

John Burrill died and his son Ebenezer Burrill purchased the remainder 
of the Swampscott farm of Robert Bronsdon's heirs in 1723. The Bronsdons 
had owned the land for over a quarter of a century ; it formed part of their 
summer residence and hunting grounds. Rev. Cotton Mather relates that 
he used to go pleasuring to the Spring Pond place (now the Fay estate) in 
Lynn, and as, in his own words, he described ]\Ir. Bronsdon as '• my good 
friend, may his name be written in the Lamb's Book of Life," he doubtless 
enjoyed the beauties of ''ye Swampscot Farme" also. The deed was 
signed by the Bronsdon heirs and witnessed by Samuel Clark and Samuel 
Parkman on Nov. 4, 1723. (See Essex Registry of Deeds, Lib. xL, folio 110.) 
The old Humphrey house was standing in 1865. It was owned by the 
Burrill family (long known as the Royal Family of Lynn) until 1797, when 
it was sold to Mr. Robert Hooper (the "King" Hooper of Marblehead), and 
by his daughter, Mrs. Hannah (Hooper) Reed, was sold to Enoch Redington 
Mudge, Esq., who built, near the old house, a beautiful gothic stone cottage. 
Under the name of "Paradise," that part of the Swampscott Farm became 

2 



18 PART I. 

famous. Only quite recently lias this magnificent estate been divided and 
built upon, some superb residences having been built near the old house. 
(See Boston Transcript, Oct. 10 and Dec. 12, 1900, and History of Lynn.) 

The " Richards " Estate at Spring Poxd, Lyx:n^. 

Richards to Bronsdon, June 10, 1696. Daniel Richards, mariner, of 
Lynn (brother in law to Robert Bronsdon) released certain lands of inheri- 
tance at a place called Spring Pond in the town of Lynn, upland and low- 
land, bounded as follows : West upon the Town Commons, South west upon 
Spring Pond, South east upon Muddy Pond, North east from an " Ocke " 
tree marked, and straight towards the Old Pond, so called, or Muddy Pond. 
Also it is to be further understood that the said Daniel Richards has also 
sold to the said Robert Bronsdon his new house lately built upon the Spring 
Lott and has full satisfaction for it. 

Witnessed by Thomas Johnson, Henry Ingraham and Joseph Bronsdon 
(oldest son of Robert Bronsdon and nephew of Daniel Richards.) (See Book^ 
11, leaf 122.) 

Note. This beautiful estate formed a continuation of tlie Swampscott Farm, and 
circumstances seem to favor tlie conclusion that it was purchased as a residence for his 
son Joseph, whose name appears as witness on that and other Lynn deeds. .Joseph 
probably died in 1697, and in January, 1698, Robert Bronsdon sold the Spring Pond 
estate to John Clifford. 

Mr. Clifford did not live long to enjoy his purchase; he died the follow- 
ing June, ''in the 68th yeare of his age," and some mischievous person has 
altered the date 1698, making his tombstone read 1628. Mrs. Elizabeth 
Allen of Salem then bought the property, and she disposed of it to her son- 
in-law, John Caspar Richter von Crowninscheldt, a German, in June, 1700, 
the deed specifying "20 acres of land neere a certain pond called the Spring 
Pond with all the houses, buildings, waters, fishings," etc. Rev. Cotton 
Mather sings the praises of this beautiful retreat and extols the virtues of 
its medicinal spring. There was fishing in the pond, hunting in the wood 
and beautiful paths in every direction. The little lake is sometimes called 
Lynnmere. 

In 1847, a gentleman named Fay purchased the estate, and has pre- 
served it in all its sylvan beauty. The writer, in strolling through the 
grounds over twenty years ago, was reminded of the descriptions of old 
baronial estates. It would seem that this spot, if any, might retain some- 
thing of the aspect which was familiar to the Bronsdons. It was the girl- 
hood home of Robert Bronsdon's wife, Bathsheba. 

" Paradise," at Swampscott, and the Fay estate, at Lynn, are two of the 
most famous of the old-time private residences in Essex County, and it is a 
coincidence that Robert Bronsdon should have once owned them both. 

Harvey to Bronsdon, (mortgage) Feb. 23, 1701. Thomas Harvey of 
Almsbury (Amesbury) weaver, and Sarah his wife for the sum of 89 pounds 
8 shillings currant silver money of New England convey as security for the 



BRONSDON FAMILY. 19 



repayment thereof land and dwelling house at a place called "The Peake " 
Avhich was bought of Eev. Thomas Wells and John Hoyt Sen'' and Jun'' and 
Nathan Gould in IGSo. Witnessed by Sarah and John Penwill and Anthony 
Stoddard. (Book 37, leaf 53.) 

Note. This mortgage was redeemed in 1718, and the fact is dulv inscribed on the 
margin of deed tliat Mr. Penwill liad died and liis widow liad married a Maxwell. 

Collier to Bronsdon. Feb. 23, 1701. Mortgage deed for loan of 52 
pounds to said Collier in whom Robert Bronsdon had a special interest ; he 
became " surety " for him as an inhabitant of Boston. Witnesses, Anthony 
Stoddard and Thomas Cawte. (Book 12, leaf 123.) 

Note. These two also witnessed the will of Robert Bronsdon a few months later. 

We will conclude these memoranda from Essex County Registry with 
an abstract of a deed given to the purchaser of the ''Knight place," so 
called, in Salem, John Williams. 

Est. of Robert Bronsdon to John Williams, Oct. 27, 1708. "To all 
unto whome this present deed of sale shall come, Benjamin Bronsdon of 
Boston in New England, merchant, only son of Robert Bronsdon late of 
Boston aforesaid, deceased, and Samuel Greenwood of Boston, shipwright, 
executor of the last Will and Testament of said deceased and Elizabeth the 
wife of said Samuel Greenwood, one of the daughters of said deceased — and 
Jonathan Evans of said Boston, mariner, and ^Nfary his wife one other 
daughter of said deceased — and William Clark and Sarah his wife one other 
daughter of said deceased — in consideration of £20 of passable money of New 
England well and truly paid by John Williams of Salem, cooper, convey 
a certain parcel of land containing by estimate 24 poles of ground, more or 
less, being in breadth 3 poles and in length from the Common northerly 
backward 8 poles formerly land of Jacob'Pudeator, blacksmith, of Salem, 
lately deeded by him to John Knight and by said Knight to Robert Brons- 
don." Signed by all the heirs, all of whom were able to write. 

Deeds in which Robert Bkoxsdon is Graxtee or Grantor in 
Suffolk Registry, Boston, Mass. 

[The first 10 volumes of Suffolk Deeds are printed and can be found in most large libraries.] 

Severns to Brimsdon. Jan. 16, 1672, recorded Apr. 16, 1672, in Book 
10, 6. Samuel and Sarah Severns convey all that small parcell of land lying 
and being at the North End of the Town of Boston nigh Merryes Point 
bounded south by Roger Rose, west by the upland, east by low water. 

Paine to Brimsdon. March 30, 1672, John Paine who bought of John 
Webb conveys a parcel of land containing in front 374- feet in length 52 
feet in rear 44^ feet bounded in front northwestward with a highway lead- 
ing to the Buriall Place (Charter Street) on northeastward by land of Daniel 
Henchman on southeastAvard by land of John Paine and on the west by a 
common Avay 6 feet wide and separating it from William Greenough. (See 
Deed 265 in printed records.) 

Note. This estate was disposed of to William Hobbie, merchant, in 1675. 



20 PART I. 

Another deed of conveyance, Paine to Bronsdon, Jan. 16, 1672, with 
John Hull's "release," Sept. 30, 1674, has been given in preceding pages. 
The estate referred to then formed the homestead of Robert Bronsdon and 
was on Ship Street, afterward North Street. For these deeds, see Book 10, 
p. 29, Suffolk Registry. 

Paine to Bronsdon, 1673. "To all People to whome this Deed of Sale 
shall come John Paine of Boston in the Massatlmsetts Colloine of New 
England, Merch' sendeth Greeting : Know yee that the s*^ John Paine for 
and in consideration of a valewable some of money and curant payment in 
hand paid by Robert Brimsdon (Bronsdon) of the same Boston the Receight 
whereof the s'^ Paine doth hereby owne and acknowledge, Hath Given, 
Granted, Bargained, Sould, Enfeoffed and Confirmed and do hereby &c 
unto the s'^ Robert Brimsdon merch* his heires and assighnes 
forever a parcell of land to the quantity of thirtye acors as by deed of Sept 
18 1666 appereth: it being the easternmost corner of that tract .... 
adjoining to Balepute Hill : together with all the woods. Timber, Stones, 
Quarries with all and singular the Rights, Profits, easements, Priveledges 
and Appurtenances thereunto belonging • 

In witness whereof John Paine hath hereunto putt his hand and scale 
this day of 1673 Regui Regis Caroly Secundi XXV."' 

Witnessed by signed John Paine (and a seal) 

Nathaniel Greenwood & Thomas Lockwood. 

Ack. before Saml. Stmonds Dep. Gov'' 

Note. In the original copy, of wliicli the above is an extract, occurs the expres- 
sion, " abutting east on Boston line." The town owned several tracts of land outside the 
peninsula, one of which was at Muddy River (Brookline), at one time comprised with 
Cambridge (the New town). Baldpate Hill, also anciently known as " Paine Hill," was 
in Newton. Robert Bronsdon nor his heirs ever conveyed this land in any deed upon 
record. Title to property in that neighborhood was often " vague." The Paine deed of 
1660 seems to be missing also. 

Kellond to Bronsdon 1678. Thomas Kellond and wife Abigail convey 
to Bronsdon for 75 pounds a piece of wharfing as it now stands on the range 
of the out wharf containing 20 feet and which is the same that Henry Cooley 
deceased sold unto James Loyd and said Loyd to Thomas Kellond and situ- 
ted next the piece that Robert Bronsdon had with his wife Rebeckah Cooley. 
(See Book 31,390.) 

In 1680 Kellond with consent of wife Abigail and 25 pounds paid 
by Robert Bronsdon conveyed to s'* Bronsdon outwharves and flatts before 
the town of Boston. (Book 1, leaf 581, No. 22.) 

Jan. 1680, Robert and Rebeckah Bronsdon gave separate deeds of con- 
veyance to Anthony Hayward of an estate in Boston bounded by Henry 
Cooley's estate with "long warehouse, wharf already built, flatts," for a con- 
sideration of £100 of which £320 remained on mortgage. Witnessed by 
Henry Armitage and Thomas Kemble. 

Robert and Rebeckah Bronsdon also conveyed an estate in the same 
neighborhood (adjoining Walter Merry) to John Turell, at which time the 
following testimony was given : — 



BRONSDON FAMILY. 21 



" Mr. Thomas Kemble testified upon oath that he was present and saw 
Robert Bronsdon and his wife seale and deliver this instrument as their act 
and deed and hee did then subscribe his name as a witness and did see 
Robert Bronsdon Jun'' do the like. Sworn Aug. 16 1683, bef. Isaac Adding- 
ton." (Book 12, leaf 13.) 

Was Robt. Bronsdon Jun'' our Robert's cousin from London ? 

Bought of John Davis, '• taylor," various parcels of land on the high- 
way leading to Winnisimmet Ferry adjoining Nathaniel Greenwood on 
the west, land formerly of Payne " now of William Downes " on the Avay 
that " leadeth to the North Battery."' The earliest of these deeds is dated 
1677. Some of the land adjoined George Nowell, blacksmith. (Book 13, 
leaf 36.) 

Edward Cricke, tailor, borrowed £'100 of Robert Bronsdon, giving deed 
of his house near the millpond as security which he redeemed in 1688. 
(Book 13, leaf 404.) 

Maverick to Bronsdon. Katherine widow of John Maverick did on 
August 12, 1680, for £60 convey her house and land by the advice of her 
father Elias Maverick, bounded by Bronsdon's land and on the west by 
Capt. Wait Wiuthrop, John Pearse, Richard Tuttle, also part of the Well. 

Witnessed by John Hayward and Ebenezer ]\[oody. (Book 11, leaf 391.) 

Ballard to Bronsdon. Jan. 20 1695-6. Jarvis Ballard and Martha his 
wife conveyed one-half acre at the North End of Boston bounded north by 
Simon Lynde, decsd. and JMr. Samuel Ruck, east by Hezekiah Brownes 
house and land, south by the highway and west by Samuel Hudson. (Book 17, 
leaf 198.) 

Stanbury to Bronsdon. Jan. 22 1695-6. Thomas Stanbury and wife 
Mary for a loan of £39 convey as security for the payment of said loan 
two parcels of land situate and lying upon the island commonly called Long 
Island within the lines and bounds of Boston, one parcel containing one 
and a quarter acres more or less and the other four acres more or less, both 
parcels being every way butted and bounded Avith the lands of John Nelson, 
to Robert Bronsdon his heirs and assigns forever. Payment was arranged 
for in yearly sums of £3 each for 13 years. 

Witnessed by Jarvis Ballard, William Rowse and Laurence Hammond. 
(Book 17, leaf 200 Suffolk Reg. of Dee^ls.) 

IVoTE. Thomas Stanbury, a shop keeper of Boston and owner of the famous 
"Feather Store" (built 1680, demolished 1860) was one of the original "renters" of 
Long Island. In 1666-7, the town relinquished its rights to the renters on certain con- 
ditions, supposed to have been fulfilled, as Mr. John Nelson purchased of said renters, 
except Thomag Stanhnnj, all their rights in the Island. 

(Tliis Mr. Xelson was the person who compelled Sir Edmund Andros to surrender 
himself and the fort on Fort Hill to the colonists.) He sold his part of Long Island to 
the Brownes of Salem for £1200, but it reverted again to Mr. Nelson, whose heirs dis- 
posed of it to Mr. Charles Apthorp of Boston. John Nelson paid £8, due from himself 
to Robert Bronsdon's executor, but for what is not specified, unless it was on account 
of Thomas Stanbury. There is nothing to show that it was, however. 

Several other changes of ownership finally resulted in Nelson's title 
being vested in the " Long Island Company" and later, in the Government 

of the United States. 



22 PART I. 

There is no evidence that Thomas Stanbury paid up his indebtedness 
to Robert Bronsdon. The careful accounts kept by Samuel Greenwood, 
during the seven years minority of Benjamin Bronsdon% give no reason to 
suppose that any payments were made. The tradition of ownership of a 
part of Long Island has always existed in that part of the Bronsdon family 
who have remained near Boston. 

At the time of Robert Bronsdon's death he held a lease of " near nine 
years " in a building formerly of Tho. Stanbury, (the Feather Store ?) 

Holland to Bronsdon. John Holland, anchorsmith, conveyed an estate 
afterward sold by Robert Bronsdon to John Turell. 

Turell to French. Turell conveys lands of inheritance with proviso 
that £50 be paid to Robert Bronsdon in 1694. 

One Ardell became surety for Thaddeus Mackarty on account of a debt 
due Robert Bronsdon from Mackarty of £200, dated Aug. 16, 1686. Mr. 
Mackarty subsequently paid in •' goods from his ship." (See acct. of Saml. 
Greenwood.) 

Robert Bronsdon consented to a sale of land at Rumney Marsh (Chel- 
sea) by John Bennett and Apphia his wife of Boston to Elisha Bennett of 
London, said Bronsdon holding a mortgage deed of said estate. (May 18, 
1685.) 

Power of Attorxey. 

"Isaac Greenwood of Boston dos appoint his highly and well respected 
friend, Mr. Robert Bronsdon of Boston, nierch' to be his lawful attorney 
and legal representative." 

This was for the purpose of purchasing for Edward Bricknall the 
" pink " Mary 80 tons burthen. The witnesses to the bill of sale were Mr. 
Bronsdon and his son Joseph Bronsdon, the date Aug. 23, 1692. On this 
paper is endorsed 

" Robert Bronsdon aged about 52 years made oath that he was present 
and with his son Joseph set their hands to the within instrument." 

Bronsdon to Swimstead. " Xber " (Dec.) 16, 1674. Robert Bronsdon 
and Henry Kemble sold one quarter part of Barque "Mary & Elizabeth" 
30 tuns burthen, to John Swimstead Jun"" for 8 pounds. 

Note. Henry Kemble was a brother of Madam Sarah Knight, who m. Apr. 19, 
1666, Richard Knight. They were children of Thomas and Elizabeth (Terrice) Kemble 
and grand children of Mrs. Rebecca Lynde. These families are found constantly in 
connection with the Bronsdon, Hett, Willard and Greenwood families. 

1697. Henry Jones, Distiller borrowed £120 of Robert Bronsdon and 
gave as security two negroes, " Betty and Anthony which had formerly been 
slaves of Masted- Samuel Phillips ; " he failed to pay and the negroes remained 
in possession of Mr. Bronsdon. 



BRONSDON FAMILY. 23 



Middlesex Registry of Deeds at Cambridge, Mass. 

Evertoii to Bronsdoii. Mortgage Deed given by Funuell Evertou to 
Robert Broiisdon. 

" Endorsed upon an original! Deed of Sale from Hannah Hurry, Mehit- 
abell Turner, i\Iary ffrothingham & Dorothy Hett to Funnell Everton bear- 
ing date the eighth of July, 1692, and recorded in Lib. Ko. (?) page 132, 
133, 134." 

Note. This " originall Deed " we did not discover even by the aid of one of the 
gentlemen in the office of the Registrar. Possibly a more thorough search would reveal 
it (the number of the volume is indistinctly written, it appears to be 20, but is not 20). 

''Memorandum That I Funnel Everton of Charlestown, mariner, within 
named for and in consideration of the sum of twenty five pounds currt 
money of New England to me in hand by Robert Bronsdon of Boston in 
County of Suffolke in the Massachusetts Bay in New England, merchant. I 
have granted, bargained, sold and set over all that moiety or one half part of 
a dwelling house and one half part of all the land belonging to ye house late 
in ye possession of William Hett deceased and since of Dorothy Hett and, 
by the within written deed of Sale, bargained, sold and confirmed by the 
daughters and co-heirs of Anne Hett and Dorothy Hett unto me s'^ Funnell 
Everton the s*^ half part of the s'^ half house and land being butted and 
bounded as within mentioned and as situate, being and lying in Charlestown, 

For 28 pounds due Aug. 6, 1692. 

In presence of Edw^ard Page and William Milborne " 

Recorded in Book 14, page 412, Middlesex Reg. of Deeds. 

Note. This paper was not recorded until 1707. Funnell Everton died and his 
widow Mary received £3. Dorothy Hett was the widow of William Hett. This estate 
became the property of Mrs. Sarah Clark, youngest daughter of Robert Bronsdon, in the 
division of his estate. 

N. Bowditch (Gleaner) writes that the Bronsdon family owned much 
real estate but now (1860) appeared to be nearly extinct in Boston as there 
was but one Bronsdon in the City Directory for that year. 



From York Co., Maine, Deeds. 

(Book 3, Fol. 28.) John Paine to Robert Brimsdon to John White for 
& in consideration of £29 : 10 : payd by Robert Brimsdon of Boston, Mer- 
chant, & John Whitte of Boston, joyner, 800 acres of land at least lying 
near township of Wells & Cape Porpus, the wh'"^^ is a part of a great par- 
cell of land ab^ 4 or 6 miles square formerly sold by Sosowen the father & 
confirmed by Flewelly the sonn, both Sagamores, unto Peter Turbett, John 
Sanders and John Bush & by them sould unto Harlackendine Symonds, to 
have and to hold, &c. 

signed Oct. 25 1673 and 25'^ of Charles II 
In presence of John Payne, 

Dan'- Stone ack. Jan. 8 1673 before raee Sam'- Symonds 

Will"' Howard. Dep. Gov. 



(Book 3, Fol. 29.) John Payne of Boston, merchant, in consideration 
of a valewable sum of money and current pay of New England well & 



24 PART I. 

truely payd by Dan' Stone of Boston, chyergeon & Eobert Brimsdon of 
same Boston, merchant ... a parcell of land viz* the moiety of 300 
acres that is to say 150 acres thereof scitnate between the county of York- 
'shyre in New England in towaiship of Wells ab* 4 miles distant from sayd 
town being upon the Edg of a great swamp . . . and also that parcell 
of marsh by the heath & also one half that marsh of the south west wdiich 
marsh is bounded by marked trees ... to have and to hold the sayd 
moiety of sayd 300 acres & the two marshes sometime appertaining unto 
Nicholas Coole {Cooly) 

signed Dec. 10, 1673, 25"^ of Charles II. 
In presence of Johx Paixe 

Anthony Checklt & Will*' Howard. 



(Book 4. Eol. 99) Robert Brimsdon of Boston, merchant, assigns to 
Capt. John Hill of 'Wells, Richard Sellys mortgage of lands in Saco to 
Henry Kemble Oct 31, 1693, 6th yr. of their Majestj'S reign. 

Witnessed by Thomas Johnston and James Convers. 

(On the 6th day of ^NEarcli 1696-7 John Hill of Saco made over the 
above assignment received from Robert Brimsdon of Boston to " my dear 
and loving brother Joseph Hill of Saco.") 



(Book 4, Fol. 140.) Kath' Fryer of Piscataway river in New England, 
merchant, in consideration of £480 payd by Eobert Bronsdon of Boston, 
merchant, mortgages Clhampernownes island in Kittery (except 80 acres 
conveyed to John Huicks) 

Signed Oct. 26"^ 1688 4*'' year of King James II. 

Witnessed by Jonathan Evans, Joseph Bronsdon & Thos. Kemble. 



(Book 4, Fol. 140.) Robert Bronsdon of Boston, merchant, assigns 
above mortgage to Rob*^ Elliot of Newcastle, Province of New Hampshire 
merchant, Aug. 28, 1698. 



(Book 4, Fol. 128.) Robert Bronsdon of Boston, merchant, for divers 
good causes & considerations gives power of attorney to ''my trusty friend 
M'' John Watson of Boston to take out of hands of, Nath'' Fryer sometime 
of County of Yorke in New England, gentleman, all such lands &c, arrears 
of rent &c. June 17 1698. 10 y-" of William III. 



(Book 8, Fol. %^^) Benjamin Bromsdon (son of Robert) witnessed Edw\ 
Rishworth's mortgage to Richard Hutchinson, land in York. July 8, 1707. 



(Book 8, Fol. 238.) Petition for survey of tract of land (first men- 
tioned in Book 3, Fol. 28) 800 acres part of the 4 or 6 miles parcell, by 
Will'" Walker, agent for M'' Sam' Greenwood, Edw. Martyn and Benjamin 
Bromsdon. Sept. 27 1717. 



BRONSDON FAMILY. • 25 



(Book 10, Fol. 240.) Aug. 15, 1719, has a grant of land at Muscougus 
and on the Penobscot Eiver conditioned upon the settlement of two towns. 
The " party " of the second part pledge themselves to settle 80 families in 
each town in a Christian manner upon said tract. There were 23 signers 
to this paper among whom were Benjamin Bronsdon and his father in law 
Gilbert Bant and other prominent citizens of Boston and surrounding 
toAvns. 



Note. The last three abstracts do not, strictly speaking, belong in this place, but 
It seems best to include all from York Co., Me., together: there is doubtless more infor- 
mation to be derived from Maine deeds of a later date, but at present they are not acces- 
sible to us.) 



A COPY OF EOBERT BRONSDON'S WILL. 
[See Book 14, leaf 423, Suffolk Probate Eeg., Boston.] 

Eemaeks. The original Will and other papers are in a good state of preservation. 
The Will is placed between layers of gauze silk which is transparent. The seal is seem- 
ingly illegible, but we could not determine satisfactorily as we were not allowed to make 
a particular examination by those persons having the Will in charge, a precaution ren- 
dered necessary by the extreme fragility of old documents. Wills were much more com- 
monly made at that time than at the present day. Estates were small and household 
furnishings so meager that the most trifling articles of domestic use, as well as simple 
articles of apparel, were carefully bequeathed. Only the student of early Colonial history 
can appreciate the amount and extent of the Bronsdon possessions. 

Will. 

In the Xame of God, Amen. 

The sixth day of ]S"ovember Anno Domini one thousand seven liundred 
and one, I, Robert Bronsdon of Boston in the County of Suffolk in New 
England, merchant, although sick in body yet of good and perfect and sound 
memory, praise be to God therefor. Do make and ordain this my present 
Will and Testament containing herein my last Will in manner and forme 
foUoAving : 

That is to say: 

First, I commend my soul to God that gave it hopeing and believing 
thro' the death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ my Redeemer to receive 
Life everlasting in the merits of whose precious Blood alone I look and hope 
for salvation. 

And my body to the earth decently to be interred according to the dis- 
cretion of my executors hereinafter named. 

And I will and ordain that all my just debts as I shall owe at the time 
of my decease shall be truly paid as they happen to be due and that my 
funeral charges be defrayed and paid in convenient time after my decease. 

Item, I will and bequeath to my beloved wife, Hannah Bronsdon (besides 
the contract which I made with her at the time of our marriage, viszt. one 
hundred pounds as by said Contract or Bond more fully may appear) I give 
unto her Tenn pounds pr annum to be paid unto her my said wife out of the 
Incomes of my Estate so long as she shall continue my widow, and also the 



26 PART I. 

use of a new dwelling house of mine which is now in building when the 
same shall be finished : or the use of my other tenement now in the occupa- 
tion of M''^ Pitts, which of the two my said Wife shall make choice of to be 
and to remain to her proper use during the time she shall remain my 
Widow. 

Also, I give unto my said Wife all the Goods and Household Stuff 
which she brought with her and which Avas hers before her marriage 
with me. 

Item, I will and bequeath unto my Son Benjamin Bronsdon, my present 
Mansion or Dwelling house wherein I now live with the garden and yard 
fenced in and thereunto belonging and also my wharffe on the other side of 
the way with the warehouse, shops, housings and accommodations standing 
and being on said wharfe, all standing, lying and being situate at the North- 
erly end of the Town of Boston afores*^ all of which premises, he, my said 
son Benjamin Bronsdon shall possess and enjoy so soon as he shall arrive at 
the age of one and twenty years and to his heirs and assignes from thence- 
forth forever (Always Reserving privilidge on and in said wharfe for the 
accommodation of other of my housing and Lands hereinafter bequeathed. 
Also I will and bequeath unto my Son one-halfe of all and singular my 
household stuff, viszt. Plate, Bedding, Brass, Pewter, Lumber, &c. which he 
shall receive when he comes of age. 

But if my said son should die before he arrives at the age of one and 
twenty jea.vs I do then will and bequeath one fourth or quarter part of his 
portion above mentioned unto my Sister Mary Bosume (Bosson) and my 
cousins Robert Bronsdon and Avis Gale equally to be divided among them 
and the longest liver of them, their heires and assignes, and the other three 
quarter parts equally to be divided among my daughters then surviving. 
Also I hereby will and appoint my said son a suitable maintainance out of 
my estate during his minority, to be paid and allowed by my executors here- 
inafter named. 

Item, I hereby will and bequeath unto my Son-in-Law Samuel Green- 
wood and Elizabeth his wife, my Daughter so much of my estate as will 
make up the Sum of Five Hundred pounds with what they have already 
received as by accompt in my Books will appear, which remaining part of 
the Five Hundred pounds as afores*^ shall be paid them out of what part of 
my estate they shall choose (excepting what I have hereinbefore bequeathed) 
or in money as it shall be made out of the Incomes or Sale of some part of 
my Estates. 

Item, I will and bequeath unto my Son-in-law, Jonathan Evans and 
Mary his W^ife my Daughter, such part of my real estate as shall with what 
they have already received make up the sum of Five Hundred pounds which 
shall be paid them in what part of my estate they or one of them shall 
choose (excepting what I have herinbefore bequeathed) and if my said 
Daughter makes choice of the house she lives in she shall have it at 
the price of Two Hundred and fifty pounds, if not, it shall be paid in money 
as it shall be made out of my estates. 

Item, I Avill and bequeath unto my Daughter Sarah Bronsdon such of my 
Estate as shall amount to the sum of Five Hundred pounds in money as she 
shall choose (excepting what I have hereinbefore bequeathed) and if my 
said Daughter Sarah Bronsdon shall make choice of my house, wharfe, &c. 
now in the tenure and occupation of William Shiprees she shall have the 



BRONSDON FAMILY. 27 



same for three hundred pounds, if not she shall be paid in money as fast as 
it can be made out of my Estate. 

Item. I will and bequeath unto my Kinsman Robert Bronsdon in Lon- 
don my before mentioned house and land left to the use of my Wife Hannah 
Bronsdon which house with the land thereunto belonging, he the said Robert 
Bronsdon and the heirs lawfully by him begotten shall enjoy after the 
decease of my said wife forever and for want of such heirs, unto my Kins- 
woman Avis Gale her heirs and assignes forever. 

Item. I hereby will and bequeath unto my Grandchildren (viszt. the 
children of my Two Daughters Elizabeth Greenwood and Mary Evans to 
each of them the sum of Ten pounds in money to be paid them when they 
become of age or day of marriage, whichever shall first be. 

Item. I Avill and bequeath unto the North Church in Boston (whereof 
I am a member) the sum of Twelve pounds to be laid out in a piece of Plate 
for the use of the Church. 

Item. I will and bequeath unto the Reverend Mr. Increase Mather 
the sum of Eight pounds in money to be paid within twelve months after my 
decease. 

Item. I will and bequeath unto Reverend Mr. Cotton INIather, Pastor 
of the said Church, the sum of eight pounds in money to be paid within 
twelve months next after my decease. 

Item. I will and bequeath unto Mr. Atwood, Deacon of the said 
Church the sum of Four pounds in money. 

Item. My will is and I do hereby ordain and appoint 

That after all the afores*^ Legacies are paid the remaining part of my 
estate Debts, Goods, Chattels, wares and merchandise of all and every kind 
shall be equally divided among my children then living and shall remain to 
them their heirs and assignes forever. 

Item. I do hereby nominate, ordain and appoint my two sons Samuel 
Greenwood and Benjamin Bronsdon executors of this my last will and tes- 
tament hereby also ordaining and appointing my said son Samuel Green- 
wood severally and solely to act as Executor aforesaid during the minority 
of my son Benjamin, he said Greenwood keeping just accompts of all his 
doings relating to his executorship and when my son Benjamin comes of the 
age of twenty-one years he shall jointly act with his brother as executor afores*^. 

In Witness whereof I the said Robert Bronsdon have hereunto set my 
hand and seal the day and year first above written 

(signed) Robert Broxsdon (and a seal) 

Signed, sealed, published and declared by the said Robert Bronsdon to 
be his last Will and Testament in presence of us 

Thomas Cawte Examined by Is-^ Addixgton 

AxTHONY Stoddard Reg'' 

Sarah Kxight. 

The Will was entered for probate on the 2d day of December, 1701, 
ten days after the death of the testator. 

Samuel GreeuAvood was confirmed as executor by Judge (Elisha) Cooke, 
who reserved the power to make a like commission 'for Benjamin Bronsdon 
when he should become of age. 



28 PAET I. 

William Hobby and Edward Thomas, Merchants of Boston, and 
Joseph Grant, shipwright, were appointed to appraise the real and personal 
property. 

An Inventory of the " Goods and Estate of Robert Bronsdon " was 
submitted on July 19, 1702. 

The Inventory is of great interest and shows many things : viz. : 

The division of the house by apartments indicates somewdiat the plan 
of the rooms and their size and number ; while the enumeration of the fur- 
nishings enables us to picture their appearance. A perusal of the meagre 
inventories usual at that period will lead to the conclusion that the " brick 
mansion " of Eobert Bronsdon was for the times luxuriously appointed. 
The household goods brought him by the third wife were not included, being 
confirmed to her by the will. 

Vol. 15, page 52, of Probate Records of Suffolk County : 

" A true and perfect Inventory of the Goods and Estate of Eobert 
Bronsdon, late of Boston, Merch', deceased, taken and appraised at Boston 
this 19th day of July, 1702, in manner and forme following, vizt., 

In the Hall. (Sometimes called '' The Great Room.") 

6 Turkey work chairs, best sort. 3£ 
12 '' '•' " of a worse sort, 3£ 12s 

1 old clock and case at 3£. 

1 old arm chair and cushion 4s. 

2 square tables at 20s. each. 
1 carpet, 2S, 

1 Looking Glass, 10s. 
1 Glass Case, 3s. 
1 Punch Bowie 
1 Leather carpet 

1 pair brass Dogs. 1 pair Iron Andirons. 

2 small brass Dogs. 1 pair Iron Andirons 
2 small pair of Tongs. 

1 small fire shovel 

2 images and 2 cups on the Mantle-tree 
6 pictures. 2 small pictures. 

In the Dineing Roome. , 

9 old Leather Chairs 
1 cane couch. 

3 rush chairs and 2 old cushions. 
1 pair of bellows. 

1 Iron standing Candlesticks 

2 small tables 

2 pair andirons. 1 Fire shovel. 

1 small looking Glass with a black Frame. 

Some earthen ware on the mantle-tree. 



BRONSDON FAMILY. 29 



In the Dineing Boom Closet. (Corresponds to our Kitchen. — ^c^.) 

19 pewter dishes holding a quart 
4 pewter dishes. 19 plates 

A parcel of old Flagons, candlesticks, Tankards. 
4 old brass kettles. 

2 pair of small brass candlesticks. 

3 small skillets. 
1 chafing dish 

1 old warming pan and 3 skimmers. 

2 pair Trammels. 2 Spits. 1 old Jack. 

2 pair andirons, 2 pair tongs fireshovel. 
1 iron chafing dish & 2 gridirons. 

3 iron pots and 1 frying pan 
1 Settle. 5 chairs 

1 dripping pan. 1 box iron & 2 heaters. 

In the Cellar under the Dinei7ig Boom. 
Some old empty tubbs and barrels. 

In tlie Cellar under the Hall. 

1 Copper and trevit. 

A parcel of tubs and barrels. 

In the Chamber over the Hall 
12 cane chairs 4£ 16s. 
3 rush chairs & 2 cushions. 

2 small tables 

1 chest of drawers 

1 Looking Glass. 

1 P^ of Brass Dogs. 

1 white Coverlid fringe for a bed. 

1 p'' of scales 

2 ?"■ of Window curtains. 

1 P'' of Callico Avhite Curtains and Vallains. 
44- doz. old Diap. Napkins 
6 Diap. Table Cloths. 
26 of Holland Sheets. 5 p'' old course sheets. 
1 Damaske Tablecloth. 

In the Closett belonging to Chamber. 

3 Turkey Avork Chairs. 

1 Table 1 Gallico Carpet. 

1 Sword (old) 1 Picture. 

In the North Chamber. 
3 old Turkey work chairs 

2 p'' of Cotton & Avoolen Sheets. 
1 pillowbeer. 1 bolster case 

1 large olde Chest. 



30 PART I. 

1 p'' of Curtains, Yallains. 

1 rugg & 1 bedstead. 

2 feather beds. 1 bolster. 2 pillows. 

1)1 the Chamber of the Dinelng Itoom. 

6 Turkey work chairs 

1 brass Dogs. 

Some old things on mantle tree. 

1 square table 

1 P-- Curt"« & Vall"» 

1 small Looking Glass black Frame 

1 bedstead. 

1 bedstead in the closet. 

In the 2^^ Chamber over the Dining Boom. 

1 old fashion Chest of Drawers. 

2 old Chairs without bottoms. 

1 p"' curtains & vallains & head cloth. 

1 p"" of blew Curtains & vallains in the Chest of Drawers. 

1 straw bed. 

1 wicker chair 

2 feather beds 2 pillows 2 bolsters. 

1 white rugg & 1 blanket 2 old rugs & 1 hamoker. 

In the Chamber over the Kitchen. 

1 old Saddle & Bridle. 

1 old saddle without stirrups & a pillion. 

1 screen. 1 old bedstead. 

1 old gun & 1 old sword. 

1 feather bed. 1 bolster. 

At Samuel Greenwoods. 

A negro man named Tom valued at 25£. 
1 p'' white curtains without vallains. 

1 chest. 1 small box. 

2 desks. 1 straw basket. 

In the Warehouse Cellar. 

2 hhds. of Molasses. 187 gallons 17£. 18s. od. 
102 bbls. of Carolina Tarr 76£. 10s. 

96 gallons of Sower Wine 1£. 12s. 

3 Teirces of Ehum. 38£. 16s. 

I?i the Loiver Warehoxise over the Cellar. 

16 half-hundred iron weights. 4£ 16s. 

2 quarter-hundred weights. 
2028 yds. of Bermuda Piatt. 

1 Beam and Scales. 3 hhds of Mud Salt. 
A parcel of about 44 hhds of Salt. 9£ 16s. 



BRONSDON FAMILY. 31 



1)1 the IVa rehouse Chamber. 

21 handkerchiefs. 
6 doz. mens gloves. 
32:^ yds Damnified blew Linnen at 7d. pr yd. 
1 Chineli Carpet for a Table. 

1 p'" black course stockings. 
3 doz of flowered ribbon. 

2 old fashion course hatts. 
6 old glasses 

1 candle box. 1 compass. 
A parcell of Lanthorns & Tinware. 
A small Baile of English Goods. 
138 Bermuda Broomes. 
50 of Hops. 

1 old Necklace 
163 oz. of Plate value 121£. (silver ware). 
11 Tuns of Loggwood 
Wearing apparel 20 £ 

The house he lived in with Land belonging, Brick Warehouse Wharf e 
& Buildings thereon, and all appur*^^*"^ belonging. 

Malthouse, old stable and Land all fenced. — — 

Old Shops next the Street — — 

Brewhouse, Copper, the land thereunto belonging 
The Brick house Mr. Evans dwels in 
The Two new houses fronting to the Lane 
The house IVP William Shipreeve lives in 
Parts of a house and land at Charlestown 
A piece of laud near the North Burying Ground 
f of the Brigantine " Sarah " 
^ of Ship John & Anne 

^ part of Ship Goodwill John Jenkins Command'' 
so far as completed 

Memorand'" of additional values : 

Besides the housing and Lands before Inventoried and Appraised, 
there belongs to the Estate of the s'^ deceased Kobert Bronsdon the several 
lands hereinafter mentioned, Yizt. 

A house and Land at Yorke bought of Joseph Penuel. 

One moiety of a Tract of Land of about 800 acres lying at Wells and 
Cape Porpus, purchased of John Payne. 

One moiety of another tract of Land of 150 acres lying also in y® 
Townships of Wells and purchased of the s'^ Payne. 

A parcel of Land in Salem and a house & Land in s*^ Salem. 

A parcel of Land in Almsbury. 

A term of near 9 years in a house in Boston formerly Tho : Stanburys. 
(Doubtless the "Old Feather Store."— ^rZ.) 

About 150 foot of the out-wharves in Boston. 

also 



£ 


250 


(> 


250 


u 


300 


ii 


300 


a 


30 


£ 


66 


£ 


195 


£ 


45 


£ 3252 



32 PART I. 

Several Bills, Bonds and Mortgages for money which must be accounted 
for when received. 

Exhibited by me Sam^'- Greenwood Exec'' 

July 29, 1702. 
Exam*^ 

P*' Is-*^ Addixgtox. Reg^ & Exni' 

Still further additions to the Inventory were made as follows : 

" The Acco"* of Samuel Greenwood of Boston Executor of the Last Will 
and Testament of Robert Bronsdon late of Boston aforesaid, merch*, de- 
ceased, as well of and for such and so much of the goods and chatties of the 
s^^ Robert Bronsdon as come to his hands as of and for his payment and 
disbursm^ of the same as followeth : 

The s*^^ Accomptant chargeth himself with all and singular the goods & 
chatties of the s*^ Testator specified in an Inventory thereof made and 
Exhibited unto the Registry of the Judge of Probate and wills and granting 
letters of admin*'°" for the County of Suffolke amounting as by the said In- 
ventory appeareth the sum of £3252 : 1 : 5." 

" He chargeth himself with a second Inventory amounting to £72 : 16. 
Also several Gold Rings and Coined Gold £5 : 10. Cash found in Chest 
£294 : 7 : 0. Paper money £1 : 10. 

Item the s*^ Acco", chargeth himself with several Debts due to the Tes- 
tator at his Death and Since rec*^ by this Accomp* as followeth, vizt." 

Then follows ten pages of Samuel Greenwood's account, which we will 
not print in detail but, by extracts, derive much light upon the manner of 
life and. belongings of our ancestor and the people with whom he had busi- 
ness dealings. Robert Bronsdon appears to have heeded the command to 
"Owe no man." Apparently he owed nothing at his decease. 

The funeral and doctors' bills amounted to £236 : 19 : 3. (The 
Physician was Dr. Cutler.) 

Piece of Plate for the Korth Church £12 

Samuel Greenwood kept an account of the expense incurred in the 
family, various articles for Benjamin Bronsdon mention of which will be 
found in the history of Benjamin Bronsdon", later. 

Both of the sons-in-law were indebted to the estate. The original 
statement of Samuel Greenwood's indebtedness is preserved at the Court 
House. 

"Mother Bronsdon'' receives an allowance for household expense at 
stated intervals. 

Various persons settle up their indebtedness, either in part or the 
whole, as : 

Joseph Blaney by Philip Bread £ 17 : 0:0 

and again Joseph Blanev settled the mortgage in full by the payment of 
£76 :'0 : 

Thomas Bennet part payment of Bond £ 37 : 7:0 



I 



BRONSDON FAMILY, 



33 



Lewis Booshere in full 

Cash of John Nelson 

Thaddeus Maccarty (goods from his ship) 

Timothy Thornton paid in full 

Samuel Beachen " " " 

Abigail Franklin, due by bond, 

Paul Grove Alcock paid 

Tarn send Skinner paid 

Xathaniel Henchman paid 

David Copp paid 

Christopher Breen 

Robert Sedgwick & Samuel Greenwood 

Joseph Bridgham paid 

William Owen paid 

Mr. Vial paid cash. 

James Webber paid 

John Clark paid part of bond 

Sarah Robes paid 

Andrew Belcher paid cash 

Elias Purrington paid 

Among those who paid rent are the following: 

Mehitable Hopkins, for rent, 
Richard Franklin 
Mary Shores 
Lydia Nowell 
. Hannah More 
Margaret Johnson 
M^ Shannon 

allowed him 16^d. for rates & repairs 
William INIoody for rent 
Mary Towers 

Received for dockage for vessels : 

John Miles, dockage, 

Lewis Hunt, " & use of scales, 

John Bonner '• 

John Pitts " by William Clark. 

John Hobby's Ship, dockage, 

John Bant " 



(I 


iCXi L, 


ii 




ii 




ii 




ii 




ii 





£ 22 : 13 : 8 
' 8 : 06 : 
• 11 : 06 : 
03 : 8 
' 17 : 01 : 
' 15 : 00 : 
' 3 : 00 : U 
' 14 : 12 : 
' 50 : 00 : 
' 1 : 00 : 
' 2 : 08 : 
' 12 : 05 : 
' 23 : 00 : 9 
' 1 : 14 : 



£ 4 : 05 : 
'' 1 : 14 : 4 
'' 4 : 15 : 

'' 17 : 14 : 6 



£ 2 : 00 : 
12 : 00 : 
1 : 10 : 
1 : 18 : 
: 08 : 6 
1 : 00 : 
7 : 03 : 8 



£ 1 : 10 : 
12 : 



£ 2 : 13 : 6 
11 : 
16 : 6 

£ 6 : 00 : 
16 :0 



Expenses *' for the horse and cow." 

Maids Wages £6 : 

Cartage for sugar 

To mending Brew-house 4s. 

To Man working about Drains 4s. 

Paid M'" Jeffrey Gray for carrying on a lawsuit in Virginia. 

Paid for work to Samuel Griffin on the Charlestown house. 

Jan. 1, 1704. Paid for mending fence after fire. 

Journey to Cambridge 

Appraisers journey to Charlestown. 



34 



PART I. 



Paid for Lighterage 

Paid Philip Pendexter wages £10 : 00 : 

Paid Negro Jack for wheeling dirt 

Cash for bricks for house in Lane 

Paid Mrs. Knight for writing, 1 shilling 

Work of Henry Ingraham. 



The ships come home laden with rich cargoes from foreign lands, but their 
owner sleeps unheeding ; earthly gain or loss is nothing more to him. 

The cargoes are disposed of and the profits added to the sum total of 
the Bronsdon estate. 

"Ship Goodwill;" cargoe, "sugar loaves," Barr Iron, Bermuda 
Brooms, Ginger from Jamaica, £25 worth, " Onyons," Lumber, Salt, Fish. 
Ship Friendship's " Cargoe." Logwood, Molasses, Pum. 



Among those who buy are 

Edward Kichards 
John Hobby, 
William Alden 
Daniel Vose 



Logwood. 

Logwood 
12 gal. Mollasses 

89 ft. pine boards 
Wine & Molasses 



111 foot of pine boards, 4s. 



£2 : 08 



£10 



03 
: G 



" one hanchor & Jugg of wine," 5 



£ 



li 





7 




5s. 6d. 



John Scollay, 
James Webber 
Samuel Greenwood 

" 11 q^^ of green wine for myself" 
William Owin one-half gal. wine 
Philip Pendexter, 6 sides of sole leather 
M"^ Vyall 60 gals, of rum. 
Samuel Greenwood, Molasses 
M'' Gills 15 gals, molasses 
Daniel More 12 gals, molasses 
Daniel Marshall 12 gallons Kum 
John Carlile, Molasses 
Benjamin Snelling, Molasses 

White 6 gallons molasses 

Nathaniel Henchman, Logwood 
240 pounds Eice to Sundry persons. 
Bushell of Salt 
"10 Riggen" 

Received of William Marshall for 

^ part of mare sold at Jamaica 

Cash recovered in suit against 

Leonard Buckmeister 

Paid Capt. Clark 

Storing fish for David Robertson 

For Negroes labor in clearing floor in State House 

Received of Benjamin Alford, ^ part 

" Ketch " Hampshire " 18 : 00 : 



1 


: 19 : 


3 


11 


00 : 





1 


: 00 : 





1 


: 17 


6 


1 


08 : 


14 




2 : 


8 


5 


: 00 : 





1 


10 : 


1 




14 : 





20 


00 : 





2 


00 : 







02: 





3 


08 : 






" 2 : 00 : 



1 


:04 





3 


00 





1 


11 







07 






I 



BEONSDON FAMILY. 35 



The account of Samuel Greenwood with the Estate of his father-in- 
law, Eobert Bronsdon, occupies ten pages of Book 15, pages 367 to 377 inclu- 
sive, Suffolk Probate Kec. 

The amount footed up is £5204 : 16 : 5f but this amount does not 
include the full value of the estate, no appraisal having been made of sun- 
dry large tracts of land and estates in places other than Boston, particularly 
in York county, Maine. 

The following Quitclaim explains itself: 

Acquittance 

I Anna ^Bronsdon, Relict of Robert Bronsdon, deceased, for and in con- 
sideration of the sum of one hundred and fifty pounds which I acknowl- 
edge to have received from Samuel Greenwood, Executor of the last Will 
o^Jnl'^f™, °^ ^'"^'''^ Bronsdon renounce all claim on his estate this 
23'^ Octo^ 1 . 02. (signed) Ax.xa Broxsdo.n. 

The Widow Bronsdon made choice of the new brick house, next door to 
the Bronsdon Mansion, where she lived the remainder of her life, or until 
1730, when it reverted to the Gale family, heirs of Robert Bronsdon's' brother 
Benjamin Bronsdon of Wiltshire, Eng. ' 

William Clark, mariner, and later merchant and ship owner of Boston 
married Sarah Bronsdon a few months later, and the Clarks occupied the 
Bronsdon mansion with Benjamin as one of their family. Benjamin at the 
age of fourteen chose W^illiam Clark for his guardian. (See history of Ben- 
jamin.) In 1707, Benjamin attained his majority. Samuel Greenwood and 
Wilham Clark then resigned their charge of affairs, and the Clarks removed 
probably to the Cooley place which William Clark purchased in full of 
Benjamin Bronsdon at that time, they having previously been joint own- 
ers. The Division of the Bronsdon Estate, an interesting document (see 
Book 23, leaf 182, Suffolk Reg. of Deeds), is not given here in full, as it 
repeats the Will in great measure. Apparently there was no dissension 
among the heirs. 

The following extract from the Division relates to the homestead : 

'MVhereas the s'» Robert Bronsdon in and by his last Will and Testa 
ment bearing date the 16th day of November after his just debts & funeral 
charges were defrayed and paid did will and bequeath unto the s^i Benjamin 
Bronsdon his Son his then present Mansion or Dwelling house wherein he 
then Lived with the garden and yard fenced in and thereunto belonging. 
And also his wharff on the other side of the way with the warehouse, shops, 
housings and accommodations standing and being on the s^ wharf all stand- 
ing, lying and being at the Northerly end of Boston aforesaid. All which 
premises he willed his Son Benjamin should possess and enjoy so soon as he 
should arrive at the age of 21 years, reserving always a privilege for the 
accommodation of his other housings and lands." 



36 



PAET I. 



Upon attaining his majority, Benjamin commenced to rebuild and make 
improvements and enlargements npon his wharf, but the decay of commerce 
did not warrant his outlay. We have no reason to suppose that he was not 
a man of business ability, for the times were far from as favorable to trade 
as they had been heretofore. 

We not only have traced the descendants of Kobert Bronsdon s son, 
but have also obtained many of those of each of his three daughters, and 
sufficient data will be given to enable any descendant to trace back to their 
Bronsdon ancestors. 



BRONSDON FAMILY. 37 



The Greenwood Branch. 
(3) Elizabeth Bronsdon- (Robt.^). 

Elizabeth Bkoxsdon"'^ was b. at the North End of Boston, on Ship 
Street. She is supposed to have been a twin to the first Mary J^rons- 
don, b. Sept. 22, 1668, and who d. in infancy. (A second Mary, b. Aug. 27, 
1670, became the wife of Capt. Evans.) 

Elizabeth Bronsdon^ ni. before 1687 Samuel Greenwood, shipwright, 
son of Nathaniel and Mary (Allen) Greenwood (m. at Weymouth, Jan. 4, 
1655-6). Mr. Greenwood d. July 16, 1721, and his wife d. the 9th of the 
following December. They are bur. in the Greenwood Tomb at Copp's 
Hill. 

Children : 

(10) i. Elizabeth^ Greenwood, b. Aug. 18, 1687 ; d. young. 

(11) ii. Samuel^ Greenwood, Jr., b. Aug. 15, 1690. See below. 

(12) iii. 3Iari/ Greemvood, b. 1697; d. July 21, 1724; single. 

(13) iv. Elizaheth^ Greenwood, bapt. Apr. 24, 1698 ; m. first, Samuel White, 

by whom she had children ; and second, Capt. Benj. Edwards, 
whose first wife was Bathsheba Evans, cousin to Elizabeth. No 
children by the second marriage. 

(14) V. Nathaniel^ Greenwood, bapt. Oct. 15, 1699 ; d. young. 

(15) vi. Anna^ Greenwood, bapt. Apr. 11, 1700 ; d. young. 

(16) vii. Isaac^ Greenwood, bapt. May 11, 1702; m. Sarah, dau. of Dr. 

John Clark, and niece of " Councillor " William Clark. 

(17) viii. Miles^ Greenwood, b. Apr. 15, 1705 ; d. young. 

(18) ix. Nathaniel^ Greemcood, b. Mar. 27, 1707 ; d. young. 

(19) X. Joseph^ Greemvood, b. June 5, 1709 ; d. young. 

(20) xi. Joseph^ Greenwood, b. Aug. 18, 1711. 

Note. Some of the descendants of (11) Samuel and (16) Isaac follow the history of 
Samuel and Elizabeth Greenwood, but all the descendants of Mrs. Elizabeth (Bronsdon) 
Greenwood have not been collected. 

Mrs. Elizabeth (Broxsdox'^) Greenwood. 

Mr. and j\[rs. Greenwood joined the Second Church, Aug. 13, 1710. 

Samuel Greenwood possessed sterling qualities of character, which 
fixed the choice of Robert Bronsdon, who appointed him as executor of 
his estate during the seven years' minority of Benjamin Bronsdon. As 
executor, Mr. Greenwood received £80, and furthermore, Samuel and Eliza- 
beth acknowledged a share of the Bronsdon property, amounting to £440, 
and a house and lot on Whitebread Alley. 



38 PART I. 

The Greenwood estate was on the '^ Broad Back Street," leading to 
Winnisimmet Ferry, and extended from the present Hanover Street to low 
water mark. His mansion house was standing until 1859, when it was 
absorbed by the widening of North Street. 

Samuel Greenwood was selectman, a member of a committee for fitting 
out the expedition to Port Eoyal in 1710, also one of the gentlemen chosen 
to oversee the building of a Grammar School in 1712 and for examining 
fortifications in 17 IS. 

Samuel and Elizabeth (Bronsdou^) Greenwood have had many illustri- 
ous descendants; one of them was John Danforth Greenwood, M. D., Pres- 
ident of Nelson College ; another, was the distinguished pastor of King's 
Chapel, Boston, the Rev. Francis W. P. Greenwood, of whom it is said that 
" he has hardly been surpassed in the consecration of vivid and lofty imag- 
inative power to the highest themes " ; also, the late Eev. Alfred Greenwood, 
and 'Mv. Edwin Greenwood who d. 1865. 



Samuel Greenwood's Will, 1721. 
[See Book 22, Suffolk Probate Eeg.] 

By it he gave to " Elizabeth his dearly beloved wife " the dwelling in 
which David Eustis " now lives," and one third part of all estates and 
goods, together Avith the use and improvement of their dwelling house 
Avhere they '< now live," and a part of the garden, but not the barn. The 
remaining part of the garden is allotted to the " brick house now building," 
or in lieu of real estate £450 in money, the wdiole amounting to about 
£1000, but "if she marry again she forfeits all." Samuel, the oldest son 
had a " double portion." 

Only daughter Elizabeth had £100 and one-fifth of the real estate, 
Isaac and Joseph, only remaining surviving children, had the same as 
Elizabeth. 

Doctors Increase and Cotton Mather each " Ten pounds." 

"To the poor people of the North End," £15 pounds. 

To his "only grandson " Samuel GreeuAvood "for to show my good 
will" £20 on coming of age. 

There is mentioned in the inventory of the estate " Four pictures, fig- 
lares of family, hanging in the hall of the Mansion House." 



(11) Samuel^ Greexavood (Elizabeth", Robt. Broxsdox^). 

He Avas b. Aug. 15, 1690, Avas a graduate of Harvard College in 1709. 
He Avas a merchant and shipwright in Boston, a member of the Ancient 
and Honorable Artillery Co. in 1722, and captain of a militia company. 

He m. first, Aug. 8, 1717, Mary Fitch ; and second, Mary Charnock. 
He d. Feb. 22, 1742, leaving wife Mary and son Samuel as executors of his 
will. 



BRONSDON FAMILY. 39 



Children, three by the first, five by tlie second wife : 

(21) i. Man/ Greemoood, b. Oct. 31, 1718 ; d. young. 

(22) ii. Samuel* Greemoood, b. May 18, 1720; grad. of Harvard Coll. 

1739 ; was twice m., but is not known to have descendants. 
He was private sec. to Gov. Belcher. 

(23) iii. Benjamin* Greenwood, b. May 30, 1722. 

(24) iv. John* Greenwood, b. Dec. 7, 1727; d. in England in 1792. He 

has descendants in old and New England, and other parts of 
America, also in New Zealand. 

(25) V. Mary* Greemvood, b. Apr. 1, 1731; d. in elderly spinsterhood in 

Marblehead. 

(26) vi. Elizaheth* Greemvood, b. Dec. 21, 1732. 

(27) vii. William* Greemvood, b. July 29, 1738 ; prob. d. young. 

(28) viii. Hannah* Greenwood, b. Oct. 5, 1740 (see " Symnies Memorial "). 



(16) IsAAc^ Greenwood (Elizabeth^, Eobt. Bkonsdon^). 

He was b. May 11, 1702; m. Jan. 1, 1729, Sarah, dau. of Dr. John 
Clark. Isaac was bapt. at the Old North Meeting House, May 17, 1702, 
graduated from Harvard Coll. in 1721, adm. to church membership at the 
" Old North," 1722. He went to England to study, and occasionally preached 
in London. He returned to Boston in 1726, and the next year was elected 
Hollis Professor of Mathematics at Harvard Coll., which position he held 
until 1738. He d. at Charleston, S. C, Oct. 12, 1745. 

Children, b. at Cambridge : 

(29) i. Isaac* Greemvood, Jr., b. May 9, 1730; m. Mary I'ans. See 

below. 

(30) ii. Sarah* Greenwood, b. Sept. 8, 1731 ; d. July 28, 1773 ; single. 

(31) iii. John* Greenwood, b. Mar. 29, 1733 ; lived at Falmouth, Me. 

(32) iv. Thales* Greenwood, b. Mar., 1735; d. 1766. 

(33) V. Elizabeth* Greenwood, b. Apr., 1737 ; m. Capt. William Holland of 

Falmouth, Me., and had one child, d. in infancv. She d. Sept. 
10, 1783. 



(39) Isaac* Greenwood, Jr. (Isaac'', Elizabeth-, Kobt. Bronsdox^). 

He was b. May 9, 1730 ; d. at Dedham, Oct. 18, 1803 ; m. Mart I'ans. 
They have descendants through two .sons, viz. : 

(34) i. Isaac'' Greenwood, b. Oct. 13, 1758 ; d. in New York City, Oct. 21, 
1829, and was father of ex-Judge «/o/i?i® Greenwood of Brook- 
lyn, N.Y., who d. Dec. 12, 1887, aged 90 yrs., and who had 
two sons : 

i. James' Greenwood of Brooklyn, N.Y., d. in 1900, aged 

nearly 88 years, 
ii. William'' Greenwood of New York City, now living, 
1901, unmarried. 



40 PART I. 

(35) ii. Johii^ Greenwood, h. May 17, 1760; d. in New York City, Nov. 16, 
1819. He had one son : 

(36) i. Isaac John^ Greenwood, who d. in New York City, 

May 14, 1865, aged 70 yrs. His widow d. in 
1899, at an advanced age. 

Children : 

(37) i. Isaac Jolm'' Greenwood, Jr., b. Nov. 15, 1833 ; 

grad. Cohimbia ColL, 1853; ra. Oct. 23, 1866, 
Mary Agnes Rndd. Has had four chiklren. 
Res. in New York City. He is an authority on 
genealogical matters, and has kindly helped us 
with Greenwood family records. 

(38) ii. Langdon' Greenwood, b. Aug. 9, 1840 ; grad. at 

Columbia Coll. ; m. first, Helen A. Snyder ; 
m. second, Anna Hand, and d. Jan., 1900, 
leaving descendants. 

Memoranda. 

Dec. 24, 1794, Miss Elizabeth Bronsdon conveyed a brick dwelling and 
lot of land bounded by estates of Dr. Lathrop and the Hon. Perez Morton 
and widow Elizabeth Nickerson to Isaac Greenwood, dentist. The consid- 
eration was £1000. 

From the Boston News Letter, July 27, 1727. 

A full account of scientific experiments made b}^ Professor Greenwood 
to determine the cause and manner of death of two men who died in the 
old reservoir upon descending into it near Union Street. 

Erom N. E. Weekly Journal, Feb. 13, 1728. 

" Mr. Isaac Greenwood was inaugurated at the College Hall in Cam- 
bridge into the office of the Professor of the IMathematicks and Natural and 
Experimental Philosophy lately founded by that great and living Bene- 
factor to that Society Mr. Thomas Hollis of London, merchant. And Ave 
hear ^Mr. Greenwood gave his first publick lecture at the College Hall on 
"Wednesday last, Feb. 7." 

From the Same. 

Advertisement. '< Arithmetick — Vulgar and Decimal- — ^ by Isaac 
Greenwood, X. M. To be sold by Thomas Hancock at the Bible and Three 
Crowns, Ann Street. Just published." 

Langdon-Greenwood. June 23, 1796, William Pitt Greenwood to 
Mary Langdon. 

Greenwood-Barrett. Sept. 11, 1832, Mary Susan Greenwood to 
Rev. Saml. Barrett, D.D., a noted Unitarian minister. 

Mrs. Barrett was a sister of Rev. Francis William Pitt Greenwood. 
She d. Mar. 15, 1874, aged dQ yrs., leaving descendants. (See Hist, 
of Wilton, N. H.) 



BRONSDON FAMILY. 41 



The Evans Branch (includes Edwakds). 
(4) Mary Bronsdon- (Robt.^) m. Capt. Jonathan Evans. 

Mary Bronsdon^, dau. of (1) Robert Bronsdon^, by his wife Bathsheba 
(Richards), was b. in Boston, at the North End, Aug. 27, 1670. Her mar- 
riage is recorded by Samh Sewall in his famous Diary as having taken place 
''Ocf ye 4'^ 1688," the officiating minister having been Rev. Samuel Wil- 
lard. Capt. Jonathan Evans died abroad about 1728. ]\Iary d. Sept. 5, 1737. 
She received the sum of £500, and a brick house on Fish Street, from her 
father's estate. After the husband's death she mortgaged half her double 
" Brick house at the North End, fronting Fish Street," to Samuel White 
(see No. 13) and John Richards, a relative of her mother. She had already 
sold the other half to John Hooten, Feb. 24, 1728. In 1734, the mortgage 
on the estate was discharged, both White and Richards having died, and 
their widows received the money. The widow White, who was Elizabeth 
Greenwood before marriage and a niece of Mrs. Evans, afterward married 
Capt. Benjamin Edwards as his third wife. Capt. Evans was many years 
away from home, and his wife transacted business on a " power of attorney," 
given by him to his '' beloved wife." (See Essex Co. Reg. of Deeds.) 

We have the names of seven children of Jonathan and Mary (Bronsdon) 
Evans, but we have not traced any of their descendants, except the family 
of Bathsheba, the sixth child, and it is uncertain if there are any, for the 
reason that in the release of the heirs to the Evans estate only the name 
of grandson Alexander Edwards, of the later generation, appears. How- 
ever, this is not certain proof that other heirs did not exist. 

Children, bapt. at the North Meeting House : 

(39) i. Jonathan^ Evans, b. July 7, 1689; d. in infancy. 

(40) ii. 31ar}f Evans, b. Dec. 4, 1692 ; no further record. 

(41) iii. Jonathan^ Evans, b. Apr. 6, 1694 ; bapt. next day ; no further 

record. 

(42) iv. Elizabeth^ Evans, b. Oct. 20, 1696 ; bapt. when 4 d. old ; no fur- 

ther record. 

(43) V. Robert^ Evans, h. June 14, 1699 : bapt. June 18; supposed to be 

the one Avho m. June 16, 1726, Elizabeth AVallis ; no further 
record. 

(44) vi. Bathsheba^ Evans, b. March, bapt. May, 1701 ; m. May 14, 1730, 

Capt. Benjamin Edwards, and d. June 26, 1728, leaving seven 
children. See below. 

(45) vii. Joseph^ Evans, b. Aug. 25, 1709 ; no further record. 



42 PART I. 

(44) Bathsheba^ Evans (Mary-, Robt. Bronsdon^). 

Bathsheba^ Evans was b. in 1701, and m. Capt. Benjamin Edwards 
of Boston, whose famil}' Bible and other heirlooms are preserved in posses- 
sion of j\Ir. Rollin A. Edwards, a descendant. The Edwards residence is 
now standing on Salem Street, being the next house south of Christ Church. 

Mrs. Evans, daughter of Robert Bronsdon, probably died in this house 
with her daughter Bathsheba, and was interred in the Edwards tomb on 
Copp's Hilh This tomb was built about the same time as the Clark, Green- 
wood and Benjamin Bronsdon tombs, 1717 or 1718. It is No. 5 in the 
cemetery records. 

The entries in the old Edwards Bible are very quaint, and have been 
copied for us ; we reproduce them here as of interest to the descendants of 
Mrs. jMary Evans. The date of Bible, 1707. The explanatory numbers are 
our own. Capt. Benjamin Edwards was a prominent citizen of Boston, one 
of the founders of the New Brick Church. Was first a sea captain, later a 
merchant. His first home after marriage was an estate adjoining the 
Bronsdon's, from which he removed to Green Lane (Salem Street) in later 
years. This Bible gives the following records : 

" Benj. Edwards (1st) Born Dec. 15, 1(385. Departed this life Aug. 26th 
day 1751 in the 66 year of his age and was buried in his tomb in the North 
Burying Place in Boston." .... 

''Benj. Edwards (1st) was mar*^ to Bathsheba Evans datter of Capt. 
Jonath" and Mary Evans by Rev^^ and M"" Will™ Wellstead on the 14th of 
May 1730, his second wife." 

ChUdren of Benjamin and Bethsheba Edwards : 

(46) i. '' Benjam in* Edivards (2nd) was born on Munday morning being the 

20th day of February 1731 and Baptized by the Rev^ M'' Will'" 
Wellstead." 

(47) ii. " Bobert* Edwards was born on Satterday the 18th day of Novem"" 

1732 & Baptized by the above Rev-i. M-". Wellstead." Robert 
Edwards died Feb. 14th 1770 Buried Munday the 19th in the 
tumbe. 

(48) iii. "Alexander* Edwards was born Tuseday 18th of December 1733." 

(49) iv. " John* Edwards was born on Satterday morning being the 4*^^ day 

of January 1734-5 and baptized as afore said." 

(50) V. " Bathsheba* Edwards was Born Munday morning about 4 oclock 

being the 23'''i day of February 1736 "and Baptized y" Sabbath 
morning following by y^ Rev^^ M"" Wellstead Paster of y« North 
Brick Meetinghouse." 

(51) vi. " DoUing* Edwards was b. May 9th 1737 on Munday aboute seaven 

oclock in y« afternoon and was baptized y'^ Sabbath following 
being y" 15th day of y^ month by y^' Rev<i M'- Will™ Wellstead, 
Paster of y« North Brick Meetinghouse." 



BRONSDON FAMILY. 43 



(52) vii. " Hannah'^ Edwards was born on Satterday night aboute nine oclock 
20th of May 1738 and was baptized y*' next day by Rev'^ W 
Will'" Wellstead, Paster of y'' North l^rick Meetinghouse." 



(44) << Bethsheba^ Edwards y'^ wife of Benjamin Edwards departed this 
life on Munday Morning aboute 4 oclock being y'^ 26th day of June, 1738, 
and in y** 37th year of her age and was buried on Tuesday y** 27th day of 
June in a tumbe in y^ North Burying place at y*' North End Boston. She 
had left seaven small children, five sons and two datters as above named. 
The (first and) last child is but 7 years and 4 months. Her death was 
very sudding and supprising to everybody. Her own mother Mary^ Evans 
died at y® 5th of Sept. and was buried in y*' tomb." (Written " town " by 
mistake.) 

(52) Hannah* Edwards (the babe) died Nov. 2, 1738, ae 16 mos. 12 d. 
and was buried in " y*^ tumbe where her mother and other relations lie 
buried " among whom were Sarah, the mother of Benjamin Edwards, 
also his first wife Hannah Harrod. 

(46) " Benjamin* Edwards (2nd) born Feb. 20 1731, first born son of 
Benjamin and Bethsheba Edwards of Boston." 

"Mary Bent born June 21, 1743, Said Mary Bent was a datter of INIr. 
Thom. Bent and Mary Bent of Sudbury." 

''Benjamin* Edwards aforesaid was married Feb. 20 1777 to Mary Bent 
above named by Josiali Stone Esq. at Framingham." 

(53) i. " Mnri/^ Edxoards born at Framingham Mar. 27 at 3 oclock in the 

afternoon in y^ year 1778, day of week Fryeday." 

(54) ii. Benjamin^ Edirards (3rd) born "at Framingham Aug. 5 1779 

Thursday 1 oclock morning." 

(55) iii. Bethsheba^ Edwards was born '-'at Framingham July 16,1781, 

Munday 3 oclock afternoon, second datter." 

{h&) iv. Alexander^ Edwards born " at Framingham July 26, 1783, Satter- 
day, eleven oclock at night, second sun." 

(57) V. Jonathan^ Edirards born " at Framingham Dec. 30, 1785, Fryday 
seven oclock at evening third son " (also called John). 

Deaths. 

(54) Mar. 9 1790 Benjamin^ Edwards departed this life ae 10 y. 7 mos. 
& 4 d. of " measls." " in y*' burying place at Framingham." 

{55) Febauary (Tuesday) y^ first 1785 two oclock morning departed this 
life Bathsheba^ Edwards second dattar of Benjamin and Mary Edwards 
" aged 3 y. 6 m. 14 d." 

(46) ''At framingham March 12, 1803, departed this life Benjamin Ed- 
wards* (2nd) aged 71 years and 20 days." 

(57) In Framingham Aug. 23"^ 1813, Departed this life John^ Edwards, 
3rd son, aged 32 y. 8 m. 3 d. 

In Mason, N.H. Feb. 14, 1824, Departed this life Mary (Bent) Edwards 
wife of Benjamin Edwards (2nd) aged 80 y. 7 m. 17 d. 

(53) Mary^ Edwards born ]\Ich. 27, 1778, mar*! Ephraim Farkhurst the 
father of the noted Dr. Farkhurst of New York City ; her death is recorded 
thus : 



44 PART I. 

''In Sharon. Mass.. Departed this life, Mary^ (Edwards) Parkhurst 
Eldest daughter of Benjamin Edwards (2nd) and Mary (Bent) Edwards 
and wife of Ephraim Parkhurst, Feb. loth 1870 aged 81 y. 10 m. 19 d." 



(47) Egbert* Edwards (Bathsheba^ Mary-, Robt. Bronsdon^). 

(47) Egbert* Edwards, born Nov. 18, 1732 ; d. Feb. 14, 1770 ; second 
son of (44) Bathsheba^ (Evans) Edwards, was married to Susanna Downes^ 
March 17, 1755, and second (yjublished) to Mary (White) Clark on Dec. 21, 
1756. He had live daughters, as named in his will, as follows ; and one 
son, d. in infancy : 

(58) i. 3fari/ Edtrards, b. Oct. 22, 1759 ; m. Amos Carleton of Bradford,, 

iVEass., and had son Anios^ Carleton, Jr., ni. Nancy Bailey. Their 
dau. Elizabeth^ Carleton, b. July 4, 1822 ; m. July 13, 1843, Mr. 
William F. Spiller, and d. as the result of a burning accident 
Aug. 16, 1890. ]Mr. Spiller, now 81 years old, resides at Stone- 
ham, and has kindly given us a copy of all the foregoing records, 
he having made the Edwards Genealogy a study for over twenty 
years. Mr. and Mrs. Spiller had seven children of whom one, 
George E.^ Spiller, m. Augusta Waitt and resides in Maiden. 
Has no children living. Mary Edwards has numerous other 
descendants. 

(59) ii. Bnfhsheha^ Edwards, b. July 14, 1760 ; m. David Rich, of Boston. 
(GOj iii. Ellzahetlv' Edwards, b. Feb. 27, 1765 ; m. Jedediah Lincoln, and 

had son Alexander Edwards*^ Lincoln, b. Aug. 23, 1783. 

Note. Jedediah Lincoln, b. 1760 in Hingham, bro. of Amos Lincoln, the ancestor 
or the late Frederic W. Lincoln of Boston. Jedediah m. second, Mary, sister of Paul 
Kevere. 

(61) iv. Rebecca^ Edwards, b. Oct. 1, 1769 ; m. Caleb Coolidge, of Chand- 

ler's River, Mass. 

(62) V. Sallij^ Edwards, m. William W^illiams, and emigrated to Maine from 

Billerica. 

(63) vi. Robert'' Edwards, b. Oct. 1, 1762 ; d. in infancy. 

Robert* Edwards who d. 1770, son of Benj. and Bathsheba^ (Evans) 
Edwards, OAvned an estate of 35 acres in New York City called "Whitetown." 
This was leased for 99 years, and being of comparatively little value, and 
his heirs being all daughters, little account was made of it. Of late years 
the heirs of Robert have been endeavoring to regain possession of the 
estate now become of immense value. They have interesting letters and 
evidence in support of their claim. 



(49) John* Edwards (Bathsheba^ INIary^, Robt. Bronsdgn^). 
He was b. Jan. 4, 1734-5, and is not the John who married Abigail. 
That John Edwards had recorded seven children, the first of whom was 
born 1750, when John Edwards, son of Benj. and Bathsheba, was not fifteen 



BRONSDON FAMILY. 45 



years old. John* Edwards went to Norfolk, Va. in 1770, settled at Culpep- 
per, C. H., and had children whom he named John^, William^, Solomon^, 
Robert^ and Thomas^ A Robert Edwards, cousin to the Grays, Avas in Bos- 
ton in 1866, probably son of this John of Virginia. 



(48) Alexander* Edwards (Bathsheba^, Mary^, Robt. Bronsdon^). 

He was b. Dec. 18, 1733, m. Sarah Greenough (of the Clark branch), 
grand-daughter of Mrs. Sarah (Bronsdon) Clark, and the two branches 
descending from different wives of Robert Bronsdon were thereby united. 
One daughter was born to this couple, Sarah^, who d. in infancy. Alexander 
d. of yellow fever in Boston, Sept. 24, 1798. His wife Sarah survived hi]n. 
Her wedding dress of rich brocade was left to her relatives in Concord, 
Mass., and they still possess a portion of it, which is used as a chair cover- 
ing. Mr. Edwards made his will on Sept. 24, 1798, declaring himself to be 
very weak and infirm of body. He left the use of his whole estate to his 
" well beloved wife Sarah during her natural life," excepting a legacy of 
^40 per annum to his beloved sister, Bethsheba Gray of Boston, widow, 
and to his dear brother, Benjamin Edwards of Framingham, $334, " no 
more and no less." To the children of brother Dollin Edwards, deceased, 
viz., Sally Revere, wife of Paul Revere, Jun'", goldsmith, Benjamin Edwards, 
cooper, Alexander Edwards, cabinet-maker, and Rebecca, wife of Josiah 
Carter, blacksmith, a sum of money invested in real estate specified. To 
the children of his brother Robert, deceased, viz. : Mary Carlton, widow, 
Bathsheba, wife of David Rich of Boston, Rebecca, wife of Caleb Coolidge, 

and Sally, wife of • Wilkins, $334, to be equally between them. To the 

children of his sister, Bathsheba Gray, afore mentioned, the sum of £334, 
share and share alike. To his two beloved nieces, Sally Lapear and Mary 
Savage, $200 each. To Alexander Savage, son of John Savage of York 
in the county of York, merch*, a loan office note, value $168.59. To 
Alexander Edwards Revere, son of Paul Revere, Jun'', the sum of $50. To 
Martha Stone of Concord, Mass., widow, the sum of $50. To the chil- 
dren of his dear friend, Jedediah Lincoln, " born of Elizabeth Edwards 
Lincoln, my beloved niece, deceased, I give my Mansion House with the 
yard and garden as enclosed Avith my desire that the whole be improved 
from the time of my wife's decease in such manner that the income thereof 
may enable Alexander Edwards Lincoln at the age of 21 years to pay the 
other children so much as shall be due them that the real estate may be for 
said Alexander's use forever, the said Jedediah to take possession imme- 
diately on death of said wife of said Alexander Edwards." 

The executors appointed were David Stoddard Greenough of Roxbury, 
Esq., Joseph Kettell Baker of Boston, and wife Sarah (Greenough) Edwards. 
Witnessed by John Wells, Benj" Wells & John Armstrong, 



46 PART I. 

Note. Mary and Alexander Savage were children of Mrs. Edwards' sister, 
Mary (Greenough). (See Clark Branch.) Tlie Widow Stone was Martha (Greenough). 
Tlie name, Lapear, also occurs in the Greenough family, and David S. Greenough was 
a half brother of Mrs. Edwards. The possession of an Edwards' tomb by the Lincoln 
family is also explained by these relationsliips between the Edwards and Lincoln families. 



(50) r>ATiisHEBA* Ebwakds (Bathsheba^, Mary^, Robt. Bronsdon^). 

She was b. Feb. 23, 1736, and married first, Carter, d. 1750; 

second, Benjamin Gray. 

Two cliildren by Mr. Carter ; one m. Frothingham, the other, Stearns, 

Children by Mr. Gray were : 

(64) i. Hannah^ Oray, twice m., Mr. Clowes and Mr. Duck. 

(65) ii. Sarah^ Gray, m. Josepli Child. 

(66) iii. Benjamin^ Gray, m. Sarah Edmunds ; bur. May 5, 1764. 

(67) iv. Bathsheba^ Gray, m. Storer. 

(68) V. Betsey^ Gray, m. Oct. 15, 1797, Wm. Treadwell of Ipswich. 

(69) vi. Folly^ Gray, m. first, Burton ; second, Hay den. 

Benjamin and Sarah (Edmunds) Gray had a dau., Eliza TreadwelP 
Gray, w^ho m. Benj. Gray® Child, son of Sarah^ (Gray) and Joseph Child. 
Among the Gray-Child descendants of the present day are Miss Elizabeth'' 
Child of St. Louis, jNIr. Richard Devens'' Child of Dorchester, Mrs. Sher- 
burne, Mr. Wm.' Child ; Hon. Francis' Child and Prof. Francis'' J. Child 
of Harvard Univ., both of whom are now deceased, also belonged to this 
family. 

One of the descendants of Mrs. Bathsheba Gray was named Charlotte 

Gray; she m. first, Welsh, and second, Nicholas Arthur; their son, 

Nicholas Arthur of New Orleans, m. his cousin. 



(51) Dolling^ Edwards (Bathsheba^, Mary'^, Robt. Bronsdon^). 

He■^vas b. May 9, 1737; m. Rebecca , and d. 1773. 

Children : 

(70) i. Sally^ Edivards, m. Paul Revere, Jr., goldsmith. 

(71) ii. Benjamirv' Edwards, cooper. 

(72) iii. Alexander^ Edirards, cabinet-maker. 

(73) iv. Rebecca^ Edtcards, m. Josiah Carter, blacksmith. 

(74) V. John^ Edwards, b. Aug. 14, 1759 ; d. in infancy. 



(5G) Alexander^ Edwards (Bexj^, Bathsheba^, Mary-, 

Robt. Bronsdon^). 

He was b. July 26, 1783; died Aug. 23, 1813; m. Apr. 1, 1811, at 
Framingham, Anna Haven, who was b. May 5, 1786 ; d. Apr. 3, 1814. He 



BEONSDON FAMILY. 47 



had a son Alexander^ Edwards, who was b. Oct. 18, 1813; d. Apr. 28, 
1895 ; m. Mary B. Batchelor, Feb. 23, 1848, by Rev. B. A. Edwards. She 
was b. Sept. 17, 1821, and d. Jan. 1, 1899. 

Their Children: 

( ) i. Rollin Alexander'^ Edivards, b. May 10, 1850 ; m. Kov. 19, 1877, 
Almeda Weeks, and have : 

William Benjamin^ Edwards, b. Oct. 13, 1878. 
Henrietta W.^ Edivards, b. Apr. 3, 1882. 

( ) ii. William Bejijamin'^ Edwards, b. Nov. 15, 1851 ; m. Edith Stowell. 
( ) iii. Anne Haven'' Edwards, b. Jan. 28, 1855. 

( ) iv. Charles' Edivards, b. Feb. 28, 1857; m. Lucy A. Anderson, Sept 
30, 1897. ' ^ 

Note. The Edwards Bible, containing the records of all the 18th century 
Edwardses descended from Robert Bronsdon, is in possession of Rollin A. Edwards 
who resides in Everett, Mass. He has also a portrait of the father of Benjamin 
Edwards, first. The robe, wig and other appointments indicate professional rank. Mr 
Edwards has also the coat of arms brought by the original Edwards emigrant. It is 
that of the ancient Kings of Wales and the motto is in gaelic. 

The above mentioned descendants are but a small portion of the extensive 
Edwards records in possession of members of the family. 



48 



PART I. 



The Clark Branch. 

(7) Sarah Bronsdon^ (Robt.^). 
(Mrs. William Clark.) 

Sarah Bkoxsdox- was b. in Boston 1682, bapt. July 5, 1685, 

and was dau. of (1) Robert and Rebeckah Bronsdon; m. by J\lr. Increase 
Mather, May 14,1702, William Clark, who was b. July, 1670, and was son 
of' Dr John and Martha (Whittingham) Clark, and grandson of Dr. John 
and Martha (Saltonstall) Clark. This Clark family originally belonged in 
Newburyport. Mr. Clark d. July, 1742, and Mrs. Clark d. 1762. They 
always resided in Boston, and are buried at Copp's Hill Ground. 

Children, recorded on books of the Second Church of Boston : 

(75) i. Sarah^ Clark, bapt. Feb. 21, 1703 ; d. young. 

(76) ii. William'' Clark, bapt. July 23, 1704; d. young. 

(77) iii. William' Clark, bapt. Nov. 4, 1705 ; d. young. 

(78) iv. John' Clark, bapt. Feb. 2, 1707; d. young. 

(79) V Sarah' Clark, bapt. July 18, 1708 ; m. C. Kilby. See below. 

(80) vi. Iteheckah' Clark, bapt. Apr. 30, 1710; m. S. Wmslow. See 

below. 

(81) vii. Martha' Clark, bapt. May 13, 1711 ; m. T. Greenough. See 

below. 

(82) viii. John' Clark, bapt. Mar. 8, 1713 ; d. young. 

(83) ix. EUy.nheth' Clark, bapt. Dec. 26, 1714 ; d. young. 

(84) X. Robert' Clark, bapt. Apr. 22, 1716 ; ni. Mrs. Mary Reed. See 

below. 

(85) xi. Elizabeth' Clark, bapt. Sept. 15, 1717 ; d. young. 

(86) xii. Beyijamin' Clark, bapt. Aug. 10, 1718; m. Susanna Humble. 

See below. 

(87) xiii. Man/ Clark, bapt. Nov. 1, 1719 ; d. young. 

(88) xiv. Dorothy' Clark, bapt. Jan. 1, 1721 ; d. young. 

(89) XV. liichard' Clark, bapt. July 15, 1722 ; d. young. 

Sarah Bronsdon^ married William Clark, a few months after the death 
of her father. Her own mother was dead, but she had a youthful step- 
mother. For the few months before Sarah's marriage, the family, consist- 
ing of the widow Bronsdon, Sarah^ and Benjamin Bronsdon 2, aged about 
14 years, remained unchanged. Then the widow removed to her dower 
house near by, and William and Sarah Clark stayed in the Bronsdon man- 
sion. Benjamin chose Mr. Clark as his guardian, and he became associated 
with Samuel Greenwood (another brother-in-law of Benjamin), the executor 
of Robert Bronsdon's will in the mauagement of the Bronsdon property. 

William Clark had, at some period, been a " mariner," but was now 
become a merchant, and prospered exceedingly as time passed. He was 



BllONSDON FAMILY. 49 



constable in 1700, overseer of the poor in 1704, tithingman in 1713-15-18, 
one of the ''Committee to Consult for the Common Good" in 1719, select- 
man in 1719-1723, Representative to the General Court in 1719, 1722, 1724, 
172"). He was third sergeant of the Ancient and Honourable Artillery- 
Co., in 1703 and 170G. (See History of A. & H. A. Co., p. 8.) 

He was very highly descended. (See writings of Cotton INIather, who 
married his sister Elizabeth Clark.) 

The Clarks were members of the Second Cluireli, and Avore among the 
seceders in 1721, Avlien Mr. Clark and Mr. Frizzell had first choice of seats 
in the new brick meeting house, erected by the seceders, for their " valuable 
benefactions," they having served on the building committee, and contrib- 
uted liberally in money. (See Robbins' History of the Second Church.) 

Mr. and Mrs. Clark lived in the Bronsdon house until 1708, when Ben- 
jamin married. An adjoining estate then became the home of the Clarks. 
This was a house of which Benjamin Bronsdon and his sister Sarah were 
the owners, the old Cooley place which had been part of the fortune which 
Mrs. Rebeckah Cooley had brought to Robert Bronsdon. William Clark 
and Benjamin Bronsdon had, as ''joint landlords," received £25 rent per 
annum from Mr. William Shipreeve, " tallow chandler." A warehouse, wharf 
privilege, and other appurtenances were attached to this estate, which 
became the sole property of the Clarks by deed of conveyance of Benjamin 
Bronsdon to 'William Clark of " half an estate o'n the Fore street from the 
Drawbridge to Winnisimmet Ferry," Mch. 31, 1708. (See Book 23, leaf 213, 
Suffolk Deeds.) 

For the share of Sarah Clark in her father's estate, see the Will of 
Robert Bronsdon ; (also, Suffolk Registry of Deeds for the Division of the 
Bronsdon Estate, in Book 23, leaf 182.) In addition to the " Cooley " house, 
Sarah inherited the old " Hett estate " in Charlestown. 

In the year 1710 William Clark purchased land on the corner of Gar- 
den Court Street and North Square, of Anne Hobby, widow, one of the 
daughters of John Winsley and Elizabeth, his wife, both deceased, and her 
sisters, IMrs. Isaac Winslow of Marshfield, Hopestill Winsley and Mrs. 
Mercy Bridgham " all that messuage or tenement near the North jVIeeting 
House bounded by Capt. Thomas Hutchinson on the Northeast 138 feet, 
140 feet on Bell Alley, 52 feet 2 inches on Garden Court and 52 feet 
6 inches on Middle Street." The sum paid for the land was £726. The 
witnesses to the deed were Joseph Marion, Nathaniel Otis, Henry Bridg- 
ham and Anne Thomas, and the deed was recorded in 1710. jVIr. Clark 
borrowed money of the Province, for Avhich he mortgaged his newly acquired 
property, but he had repaid it, in full, by the year 1719. 

In the Book of Possessions, Town of Boston, p. 126, is this note : 

" K. 17. Upon this lot William Clark, a prominent merchant of the 
Provincial period, lived. He built a house which became famous. It stood 

4 



50 PART I. 



fronting the square (Clark's) very nearly where Prince Street " (then Bell 
Alley) '^' comes into it on the westerly corner." 

This mansion is often called the '•' Frankland house," because Sir 
Charles Henry Frankland bought it of the heirs of William Clark, and 
there was a romantic interest attached to his marriage, which has been cele- 
brated in song and story. His wife was Agnes Surriage of Marblehead. 
The Clarks built, owned and occupied their house for very nearly half a 
century. Sir " Harry " Frankland, as he is often called, lived there for per- 
haps a year while he was Collector of the Port of Boston. He then returned 
to Lisbon, Spain, as Consul-General. He retained ownership of the estate, 
however, and it became Lady Frankland's at his death. Tradition says that 
she watched the progress of the battle of Bunker Hill from an upper 
window of the house while waiting to set sail for England. 

So much is in print concerning the glories of the Clark (Frankland) 
House that it seems almost superfluous to copy it here. A few details will 
not be amiss, possibly, and we will refer our readers to Mr. Tuttle's account 
of the house in his articles in the N. E. Historical-Genealogical Mag., and 
" Some Old New England Families," by Miss E. E. Titcomb. 

The Clap.k Mansion. 

On Garden Court Street, formerly Frizzeirs Lane, stood two of the 
most striking houses in the town; one, the residence of Councillor William 
Clark, and the other, the home of Governor Hutchinson. Pictures of each 
house have been preserved. The Clark House was of brick, and three 
stories high, without the roof, which really amounted to a fourth story, and 
was adorned by a row of dormer windows. Above this was a balustrade, 
enclosing that portion of the roof which was flat, forming a delightful post 
of observation in fine weather. In the rear of the house was a ''rose 
garden " and trees. North Square, or Clark square, as it came to be called, 
in honor of William Clark, was a pleasant locality, where many of the best 
residences were clustered. At the head of the Square stood the old North 
Meeting House. The exterior of the mansion, stately though it was, gave 
little hint of its magnificent interior. 

On entering at the front door a hall of grand dimensions was perceived, 
spanned midway by a graceful arch. From either side, doors opened into 
magnificent apartments known as the parlors.' In particular was one of 
these rooms a subject of wondering laudation, for its walls were decorated 
with a series of medallions or panels on which were paintings of romantic 
landscapes and country seats identified with family history ; on the twelfth 
panel was a picture of the house itself and, underneath, the monogram of 
the owner ; paintings of coats of arms of the different branches of ancestry 
were also portrayed in rich colors picked out with touches of gold, while 
between the panels were graceful pillars reaching from floor to ceiling. 



BRONSDON FAMILY. 51 



The floor of another parlor was inlaid with over three hundred varieties 
of wood, the pattern representing the Clark coat of arms. 

The "mantel-trees" were of richly wronght Italian marble and the 
hearths of decorated porcelain tiles. 

The house is represented as having twenty-six rooms, but in truth it 
contained only thirteen as mentioned in the inventory of the estate after 
William Clark's death. 

The staircase was one of the most noted features of this beautiful 
mansion — perhaps because it is related that Sir Harry Frankland rode his 
pony up and down the easy ascent. 

This staircase, which was of dimensions in keeping with the grandeur 
of ^ the hall, was lighted by arched windows and adorned with a series of 
thirty-two paintings, one of which was an impressive full-length portrait of 
William Clark himself, in brave attire. See below. 

The furnishings of the mansion were worthy of it and it is recorded 
that $30,000 was expended in beautifying the rooms at the time of the 
marriage of the oldest daughter to Christopher Kilby, Esq. A few relics of 
the Clark House have been preserved. Two of the panels from the wonder- 
ful East Parlor are in the Maine Historical Society Library in Portland, 
Maine, two are in Brookline, Mass., at the home of one of Sarah (Brons- 
don) Clark's descendants, and those representing the mansion and the coat 
of arms are in Newton Centre in the Gay family. 

The panels in the Maine Historical Society were given by Kev. Daniel 
Austin of Kittery, and are numbered 1 and 2. They are 5 ft. 9 in. in height, 
but one is 3 ft. 1 in. wide and the other 2 ft. 8 in. This measurement'' in- 
cludes a framework about 4 in. wide. One represents a castle set in a land- 
scape, the other has a landscape and house in the lower half and a coat of 
arms in the upper half, a' shield with a bar on which are three lions 
rampant. 

XoTE. Mrs. Alice (Fairfield) Moody of Portland kindly sent this description, also 
tlie abstracts of deeds, etc., from York County records, and has our thanks therefor. 

Even as early as 1711 William Clark knew the value of advertising in 
the newspapers. Many of them, both in Boston and other places, contain 
his business notices. Among others, we note these : 

May 11, 1711. " To Be Sold by Mr. William Clark, merchant of North 
End, 4 likely negroes, 1 man, 1 woman and 2 boys." 

Also 

"To Be Sold by M'" William Clark of Boston, merchant, at his store- 
house near the Swing-Bridge the best Barbados Bum for ready money at 
Five Shillings the Gallon." (iV. E. Weekly Journal, Jan. 15, 1728.) 

In 1726 Mr. Christopher Kilby became his partner in business, and 
at about the same time married Sarah Clark, the eldest living daughter 



62 PART I. 

The troubles between England and France resulted in disaster to commerce, 
affectin- the trade of the colonies with foreign countries. Mr. Clark lost 
heavily." The records mention "40 sail of vessels" belonging to him as 
having fallen into the enemy's hands. His troubles preyed upon his mind to 
such an extent as to affect his health and hasten his demise. 

In the Boston Weekbi Newsletter, July, 1742, it was announced that, 

" Last Saturday died here the Honourable William Clark Esq. who has 
been one of the most considerable Merchants of this Town and has formerly 
served as a Kepresentative of the Town in the Gen'l Court and was for 
some years one of the members of His Majesty's Council." 

He was about 72 years old. He had not made a will, and we infer from 
the number of doctors and nurses employed that his illness was very severe. 
His widow was appointed administratrix. Eour of the children survived 
their father. Robert, who with his family lived in Lunenburgh, Massachu- 
setts, Eebeckah Winslow, wife of Samuel Win slow, Benjamin Clark, who 
succeeded to his father's business and who had also been a partner of Mr. 
Kilby, and Martha, the wife of Deacon Thomas Greenough. 

Mr. Greenough and his mother-in-law, Clark, secured the shares of the 
other heirs in the mansion house and finally Madam Clark sold her part 
therein to the Greenoughs. 

We note a few items of interest in the Inventory of William Clark's 
estate, as follows : 

Kegro woman Grace value £105 : 00 : 00 

4 muskets & a pistol 80 : 17 : 10 

2 silver hilted swords • 10 : 00 : 

Sundry Books & Catalogue 105 : 00 : 

large china bowl 3 : 00 : 

,32 pictures in stairway 30 : 00 : 

In the entry, 11 leathern buckets 16:00: 

Other items pertained to Mr. Clark's illness and his funeral, as. 

Nurses Williams & Cullock £ 4 : 10 : 

Dr. Bulfinch's bill 4:10: 

Dr. Hill's bill 25 : 12 : 

Limes in Mr. Clark's sickness 1:4:0 

Partial expense of funeral 80 : 17 : 10 

pi ]\rullin for the Pall 4 : 15 : 

P'l Pierce for opening Tomb 3 : 10 : 

Edward Winslow for rings 49 : 4 : 

Ping for Pev. M'' Elliott in lieu of one lost. 3 : 00 : 
P'l for 3 Hatts gave the Gent" that appraised the estate. 12 : 00 : 

Board of book-keeper John Muir 83 : 00 : 



BIIONSDON FAMILY. 53 



In the enumeration, besides the Clark mansion, was a lionse and land 
on Cold Lane (Portland Street) and several other parcels of real estate in- 
cluding a rope Avalk in that part of the toAvn then known as New Boston, 
also large estates in Worcester County (Lunenburgh). 

Some names of vessels were given : Ship " Sarah," Ship "William & 
Sarah,-' Ship "Francis," Sloop "Dolphin," Sloop "Censor," and Brigantine 
" Cato." 

A guardian Avas appointed for the motherless Kilby grandchildren, 
Thomas Hancock (the uncle of John). 



The Clark Tomb. 

The Clark Tomb is in Copp's Hill Burying Ground at the iSTorth End, 
near Christ Church, and within hearing distance of the melodious chime 
bells in the tower, plaintive reminders of those who caused them to peal 
forth their magical sounds long ago. In the present decadence of the North 
End the beautiful music of the chime bells is the only message from a far 
different past, when stately gentlemen and their proud dames of the colonial 
era brightened the narrow ways. 

About the year 1708 a new range of tombs was constructed along Hull 
Street, and several families became proprietors. Such ones were the Brons- 
dons. Greenwoods, Edwards, Greenoughs, Bants, Clarks and others. 

There is a tradition respecting the Clark Tomb which is not founded 
upon fact. It is to the effect that the bodies were removed and the tomb 
usurped by a sexton, Winslow by name. This legend arose from the fact 
that Rebeckah Winslow had her husband's name " Samuel Winslow " 
chiselled in modest letters at the bottom of the grave-stone erected to her 
father's memory. Samuel Winslow outlived Mr. Clark three years and was 
killed in front of Louisberg. His widow Rebecca inherited a right in the 
tomb with the other heirs of her father, William Clark. 

The stone in question is a masterpiece of the sculptor's art. It was 
made by a Mr. Codner ; its cost was £40, or nearly $200. It is in excellent 
condition at the present time. The Clark coat of arius is remarkably and 
delicately carved upon the stone. Chain mail, upon which is a breast plate, 
surmounted by a helmet, forms part of the design. Above this is a swan, 
crowned and having a chain about its neck and thence over its back. Orna- 
mental scrolls surround this device, and on either side are floriated fruit 
clusters, including apples, pears, plums, cherries, peaches and grapes, mingled 
with corn and wheat, the outlines being wonderfully preserved, and the whole 
of which forms a design of much beauty. The inscription reads as 
follows : 



64 



PART 1. 

^^ Here lyes the Mortal pitrt of 

WILLIAM CLARK, Esq. 

An 'eminent mcrrhant of this Town and an 

Honorable Councillor For 

the Province 

]\-ho distinfjuished himself as a faithful and affectionate 

Friend, a Fair and Generous Trader. 

Loyal to his Prince, 

Yet ahoays zealous for the Freedom of his 

Country. A Despiser of 

Sorry Persons 

and little actions, an enemy of Priest craft and 

Enthusiasm, A Lover of Good Men of 

various Denominations and a 

Reverent Worshipper 

of the Deity.'' 



Deacon Greenough concluded the business of the CLark Estate, which 
had remained unfinished during the widow's life time. 

Having become the owner of the Clark Mansion, in 1756, he sold it to 
Sir Charles Henry Fraukland for £1200. It became the property of the 
Surriage family, and was sold to Kowland Ellis for $8000 in 1811. He 
resided there until the demolition of the building in 1832. When Bell 
Alley (extension of Prince Street) was widened in that year, " this proud 
mansion long since deserted by the family, whose importance it was meant 
to perpetuate, whose vanished splendors are an object of interest and com- 
memoration by artist, historian, and novelist alike, was ruthlessly swept 
away." 

Sarah Clark was the last survivor of Robert Bronsdon's children. Mrs. 
Greenwood died in 1721, Mrs. Evans in 1737, and Mr. Benjamin Bronsdon in 
1757, and all are interred in tombs on the Hull Street side of Copp's Hill 
Burying Ground. 

Madam Clark left the mansion probably on the second marriage of 
Dea. Greenough, and as her daughter, Mrs. Greenough, died in 1750, we do 
not know where Madam Clark thereafter resided, but it is thought in 
Boston. 

Portrait of Hon. William Clark. 

An explanation regarding the portrait, an account of which is taken 
from the Mass. Hist. Soc. Coll. in the form of letters (given below), is as 
follows : One of the Dr. John Clarks (there were seven of them in succes- 
sion, two of whom were respectively father and brother to Hon. William 
Clark) had a daughter Elizabeth Clark, born 1733, and she married Rev. 
Jonathan Mayhew. Mr. and ]\Irs. Mayhew were the parents of Mrs. Peter 



ERONSDON FAMILY. 55 



Waimvriglit of Boston. One of the portraits, whose destruction is related, 
represented Mrs. Mayhew, ''wife of Dr. Mayhew " and ''mother of Mr. 
Wainwright." It was a beautiful portrait ; the hidy lield a basket of roses, 
which she Avas apparently to offer to the spectator. This explanation does 
not clearly state whether there were two Peter Wainwrights, father and 
son, or whether the writer confused the parentage of Uv. and JMrs. Wain- 
w^right. 

A letter published in Vol. 17 of the Mass. Hist. Soc. Coll., on pages 
233-4, throws some light on the fate of this portrait, and perhaps accounts 
for others wdiicli are missing. It was written by Miss E. S. Quincy, and is 
as follow^s : 

Quincy, Jan. 20, 1879. 
Dr. S. A. Greex : — 

Bear Sir, — I enclose an account of Mr. William 
Clark, a prominent merchant in the early days of Boston. It was sent to 
me by the heirs of the late Peter Wainwright, Esq., to send to Mr. A. T. 
Perkins who had inquired concerning the portraits formerly in Mr. Wain- 
wright's possession, which were unhappily burned in 1872 — not in the 
great fire but in one which occurred the night afterward. 

All these portraits, Smiberts, Copleys and one by Emmons, were under 
the care of an artist in Washington St. who had varnished and put them in 
order and who had earnestly requested Mr. Wainwright to send for them 
and relieve him of the responsibility. But this was not done and the fire 
came and destroyed them. 

Mr. Wainwright Avas in great distress at their loss and, I believe, never 
recovered from the grief his neglect of the request of the artist gave him. 
His children had taken so little interest in these pictures that they could 
not give Mr. Perkins or myself a list of the persons represented in eight or 
nine portraits, but they sent me this account of Mr. Clark whose portrait by 
Emmons hung in the entry of the house. It was painted on a very large 
canvas, with a ship in the distance seen through a window. It was a great 
curiosity and I recollect it perfectly. 

I do not know what relation Mr. Clark bore to the Wainwrights or how 
they came to have his portrait, but I was told he was not of the same family 
to Avhich Mr. Copley, the wife of the painter, belonged ... I thought 
this account of Mr. Clark curious, from his historic mansion next to the 
Hutchinsons, and after Mr. Perkins had returned it I retained it to send to 
you for the collections of your society. 



Yours sincerely. 



E. S. QuixcY. 



AccouKT OF William Clark. 

(As referred to in above letter.) 

"The Hon. William Clark lived in the largest and most elaborately 
finished and furnished house in Boston. It was afterward owned and occu- 
pied by Sir Henry Frankland and is celebrated in one of Cooper's novels. 



56 PART I. 

*'< Mr. Rowland Ellis of Boston who lived in it many years has a fine 
exterior view of this famous house and also several elaborate' paintings 
taken from its walls. He has also the center part of a wooden mosaic floor 
having the arms of Clark wrought therein. 

"Mr. Peter Wainwrisjht of this city has among his collection of family 
portraits one of Mr. William Clark, full size, painted by Emmons in 1732." 
(See Vol. 17, Mass. Hist. Soc. Coll.) 

The Clark Estate. 

In the Warrant for Division (see Suffolk Probate Keg.) are mentioned 
llobert Clark, the eldest son, of Lunenburgh (guardian, Jonathan Willard, 
gentleman) ; Benjamin Clark ; Sarah and Katherine Kilby (infant daugh- 
ters of Christopher Kilby by his late wife Sarah), for whom was appointed 
Thomas Hancock, guardian ; Rebecca, widow of Samuel Winslow, in her 
own right, and Thomas Greenough in right of Martha, his wife. 

To Mrs. Clark was paid £250 from the Lunenburgh property, and, in 
Boston, the Clark mansion was set off for her use, also a third of the 
remaining estate. 

To Robert Clark a piece of land and a roj)ewalk at the west end of 
Boston. 

i^enjamin Clark had the Bronsdon place that had been Sarah's portion 
from her father, also the warehouse and other property in Dock Square. 

The Kilby children received a house in Cold Lane (Portland Street). 

We have by no means exhausted the sources of information respecting 
Sarah (Bronsdon) Clark and her family, indeed we have scarce touched 
ui)on their history. We have understood that their descendants possess a 
mass of material concern ina: them. 



Some Account of the Children of William and Sakah^ Clakk. 
(79) Sauah Clark* was bapt. July 18, 1708. She was born in a 
house which had formerly belonged to Henry Cooley, the first husband 
of her grandmother Bronsdon. She was the fifth child, and the first to 
survive infancy, and was au object of great regard to her parents. She 
m. Aug. 18, 1726, Christopher, son of John and Rebecca (Simpkins) 
Kilby. He was b. Mar. 2o, 1705, consequently he was 21, and she was 
18 years old. She d. Apr. 12, 1739. 

Their Children were : 

John'' KUht/, b. Apr. 9, 1727; d. young. 
William* kilhij, b. Sept. 28, 1729 ; d. young. 
Sarah" Kilby, b. Apr. 9, 1732 ; d. young. 

Sarah" Kilby, h. Aug. 22, 1736; m. first, Cunningham; second, 
ISlcAdam. 
(94) V. Katherine" Kilby, b. ; d. in England in girlhood, 1747. 



(90) 


i 


(91) 


11 


(92) 


111 


(93) 


IV 



BRONSDON FAMILY. 57 



From the Boston Weekly Neivsletter. — " Last week dyed suddenly 
Mrs. Kilby wife of Mr. Christopher Kilby and daughter of Hon. W" Clark 
Esq." (Apr. 17, 17,39.) 

Mr. Kilby was a man of immense wealth. He became her father's busi- 
ness partner in 172G. They carried on an extensive East India and English 
trade. Before his wife died, they lived for three years in England. The 
year of her death, he was elected Kepresentative to the General Court. 
The next year, he with Robert Auchmuty, was employed in settling the 
bounds between Massachusetts and Rhode Island. 

In 1741, he was selected, on account of his statesmanlike qualifications, 
to be the standing agent of the Province in Great Britain. His little daugh- 
ters were left in the care of their Grandmother Clark. When they arrived 
at such ages that the advantages of a foreign education seemed desirable, 
they were sent out to their father in England. Meantime, he had married 
again, and had built a residence in Dorking, Surre}^ called " The Priory." 
He met his children at Portsmouth, and it was a joyful reunion, but soon 
turned to mourning by the illness and death of Katherine in the same year. 
There were no children by the second marriage. 

Married June 20, 1754, Sarah Kilby and Nathaniel Cunningham, Jr., 
son of Capt. Nathaniel Cunningham of Boston. 

(Ruth Cunningham, sister of Nathaniel, Jr., m. James Otis, the patriot.) 
The senior Cunningham was reputed the richest merchant of his day. His 
residence was in Cambridge, and there Nathaniel, Jr., lived with his bride. 

Mrs. Sarah Cunningham becaine a widow in 1766, after nearly three 
years of wedded life. She had two infant daughters, Susanna^, b. 1752, 
and Sarah^; she did not long remain single. 

In 1756, England declared war against Prance. John Campbell, fourth 
Earl of Londoun, having been appointed to the command of all the forces 
of the King in North America, came to Boston, and in his train was his 
aide-de-camp, Gilbert McAdam. 

On page 49 of the records of the Grand Lodge of Masons in Boston, 
under date of Jan. 31, 1757, we note this entry : 

" Our Right Worshipful G. M. acquainted the Lodge that the occasion 
of this jNIeeting was for to make Capt. Gilbert McAdams ' aide de camp ' 
(and others named) Masons which the Lodge unanimously agreed to." 

Mr. McAdam was from Ayrshire, in Scotland. He met Mrs. Cunning- 
ham, and they were married in September, 1757. Capt. McAdam took his 
wife and step daughters to New York until the close of the war, when they 
went to Scotland to reside. This was most pleasing to Mr. Kilby, the father 
of Mrs. McAdam. Her little girls at once became the special objects of his 
care and generosity, as their mother had been. 



58 PART I. 

(95) Susanna^ Cunningham married., in Scotland, James Dalrymple, the 
friend of the poet Burns. He introduced Burns to Lord Glencairn, who 
had married Dalrymple's sister. Burns speaks of this very feelingly in a 
letter, wliich is published with his book of poems. 

The Dalrymples of Orangelield, Ayrshire, Scotland, were of an old and 
illustrious race. One son was born : 

(97) Charles® Dalrymple, who became an officer in the British Army, 
and who, presumably, has descendants. 

James Dalrymple died leaving Susanna a widow. She m. second, John 
Henry Mills, a Scotchman, whose family in several branches, have won dra- 
matic eminence. 

Another son was born to Susanna, John Henry® Mills, Jr., ''poet and 
actor." He m. a Miss Errington, a relative of Anthony TroUope, the 
novelist. 

They lived in Plymouth, England, and in the year 1801, their daughter, 
Frances Marie Mills, was born. She was of rare personal beauty. She m. 
first, George Lord ; second. Dr. Richard S. Spofford of Newburyport, Mass. 
Her oldest son, Richard S. Spofford, Jr., m. the celebrated authoress, 
Harriett Prescott, who has kindly given us some of these facts. (For a 
fuller account, see Spofford Gen.) 

Mrs. Susanna^ Mills was again left a widow, and m. third, William 
Cunningham, thus returning to her maiden name. Several children were 
born to the Cunninghams, whose descendants live in Boston, or the neighbor- 
hood. Mrs. Cunningham d. 1840. 



(96) Sarah^ Cunningham, daughter of (93) Sarah^ (Kilby) and Nathaniel 
Cunningham, Jr., of Boston, m. William Campbell, Esq., of Fairfield, Ayr- 
shire, Scotland, and had two daughters, of whom the eldest m. Aug. 3, 
1802, John Douglass Campbell, seventh Duke of Argyll. She died, child- 
less, Dec. 9, 1818 (see Burke's Peerage), and the Duke of Argyll m. second, 
Joan Glassel, and they were the grandparents of the Marquis of Lome, 
who is the husband of Louise, daughter of Victoria, the late Queen of 
England. 

Here is the descent of her Grace, the Duchess of Argyll, on the " dis- 
taff " side, from Sarah, daughter of Robert Bronsdon of Boston : 

Mr. Robert Bronsdon, " merchant of Boston." 

Mrs. Sarah (Bronsdon) Clark. 

Mrs. Sarah (Clark) Kilby. 

Mrs. Sarah (Kilby) Cunningham. 

Mrs. Sarah (Cunningham) Campbell. 

Elizabeth Campbell, Duchess of Argyll. 

What became of the other daughter of Sarah (Cunningham) Campbell ? 



1st Gen 


2d 




3d 




4th 




5th 




Gth 





BUONSDON FAMILY. 59 



In Vol. 17 of Mass. Hist. Society's Coll., p. 'JG, we liiid the following, 
in which it is (erroneously) stated that Nathaniel Cunningham married 
successively the iim daughters of Mr. Kilb}^ : 

" The portraits of the Cunninghams were in possession of Mr. A. S. 
Porter." (1879.) 

" Col. Nathaniel Cunningham ... is represented dressed in a 
light-colored coat of the fashion of that time. The })ortrait of the . 
wife is painted in the handsome costume of the period." 



Col. Cunningham died before his wife, Sarah Kilby, and INIr. Kilby had 



no other daughter grow to w^omanhood. 



(80) IIkbkckah^ Clark (Sakah-, Eobt. Bronsdon^). 

(80) Rebeckah'' Clark, daughter of William and Sarah (Bronsdon) 
Clark, and grand-daughter of Robert and Rebeckah Bronsdon, was bapt. at 
the Second Church, Apr. 30, 1710. She was b. before her parents went to 
reside in the Clark mansion, and was named for her grandmother Bronsdon. 
She m. June 8, 1729, Samuel Wtnslow, son of Edward Winslow. 

June 22, 1745, Rebeckah Winslow and Samuel Winslow released to their 
mother, Sarah Clark, the house in Cold Lane, which had been set off to them, 
for a consideration of £1000, of which sum Samuel Winslow acknowledged 
the receipt. (See Book 71, leaf 52, Suffolk Deeds.) 

Another legal instrument dated Sept. 18, 1745, mentions Samuel Wins- 
low "absent from home." 

July 1, 1749, Benjamin Clark and Rebeckah Winslow, ividow, release 
to Thomas Greenough an estate in Cold Lane. 

We do not find that she had children. 

The following note was cut from the Boston Evening Transcript : 

" Samuel Winslow, son of Edward Winslow, had brothers John and 
Edward. He was at first a merchant of. Boston, but entered the British 
Navy as midshipman on board her Majesty's Ship ' Vigilant,' and died on 
board that ship off Louisberg, June 22, 1745." 



(81) Martha^ Clark (m. Thomas Greenough) (Sarah Bronsdon^, 

Robert Bronsdon^). 

(81) Martha^ Clark, daughter of William and Sarah (Bronsdon^) 
Clark, and grand-daughter of Robert^ and Rebeckah Bronsdon of Boston, 
was bapt. May 13, 1711, at the Second Church; m. May 9, 1734, Thomas 
Greexough, son of John and Elizabeth (Gross) and grandson of Capt. 
William Greenough (b. in England 1639) and Elizabeth (Rainsford). 

Thomas Greenough was b. May 6, 1710; d. Aug. 16, 1785. Martha 
(Clark) Greenough d. before 1750, and he m., second, May 24, 1750, Sarah 



60 PART I. 

* 

Stocldui-il ( from whom is descended William Whitwell Greenougli, late of 
Boston). 

Ch lid r en : 

( 98) i. Sarah* (ireenough, b. A\ig. 26, 1735; m. Edwards. See (48) 

Evans Branch. 
( D'J) ii. Martha* Creenoiujh, b. Dec. 12, 1736; m. Capt. Stone of Old 

York. See below. 

(100) iii. Thomas* Greenough, Jr., b. Maj' 8, 1738. He was a math. inst. 

maker, m. Jan. 20, 1761, Ann Hobby, and d. at Westford, 
Ang. 11, 1775. 

(101) iv. WUllam* Greenough. d. in infancy. 

(102) V. John* Greenough, b. Apr. 4, 1742; m. Mehitable Dillingham. 

See below. 

(103) vi. Williatn* Greenougli, d. young. 

(104) vii. Elizabeth* Greenough, m. May 27, 1777, Eleazer Brooks. 

(105) viii. 2[arij* Greenough, ni. John Savage, of York, Me. 
(100) i.x. Jerusha* Greenough, ni. Lapear (and Crafts?) 

Mrs. Martha (Clark) Greenough has numerons descendants, only a por- 
tion of which are given below. We have corresponded witli descendants of 
(102) John and (99) :Martha, m. Capt. Stone. 

See History of Ancient and Honorable Artillery Co. for biography of 
Thomas Greenough. 



^91)) JMajitiia"' Gj{kenougii (m. Joiix Stone) (Martha^ Clakk, Sarah 

llRONSDON", KOBT, BrONSDOX^). 

(!)'.») Mahtha* Greenough was the second child of Mrs. Martha (Clark) 
and Dea. Thomas Greenough, and was b. Dec. 12, 1736; m. Capt. John Stone, 
who was b. 1729; d. 1791. Mrs. Stone d. Feb. 10, 1813. 

Capt. Stone was a retired sea-captain of Old York, Me., afterward a 
merchant in Boston. He was the architect and superintendent in building 
the first bridge connecting Charlestown and Boston in 1786. He d. at Con- 
cord, Mass. They had eight children, four of whom d. young. Those who 
survived wore : 

(107) i. Hannah^ Stone, m. Samuel Minot of Concord, Mass., later of 

Bath, N. H., Dec. 14, 1797 ; ten children. 

(108) ii. Thomas^ Stone, m. , and had two children : 

John^ and Elizabeth^, 
and d. bef. Apr. 1, 1795, aged 28 years. 

(109) iii. Sallji^ Stone, m. John Buggies Cotting, M.D., LL.D., of Acton, 

later of Milledgeville, Ga., and d. leaving two children: 

i. David Greenough^ Cotting. 
ii. Susan Greenough^ Cotting. 



BKONSDON FAMILY. 61 



(110) iv. Patt>/ {Martha) Sto7ie, b. May 6, 1782; in. Sept. 19, 1805, 
William Muuroe of Concord, Mass., formerly of Koxbury, 
and 1). Dec. 19, 1778; d. Mar. 6, 18G1. Mrs. Munroe d. 
Apr. 2, 18GG, aged nearly 84 years. 

Mrs. Munroe was the youngest of her father's family. She was born 
in Old York, INIe., but lived most of her life in Concord, ]\Iass. Mr. 
Munroe removed from Roxbury to Concord when 20 years old. He was a 
mechanic of high order, and was the first manufacturer of lead pencils in 
the United States, and the chief one for many years. Mr. and Mrs. Mun- 
roe had nine children, three of whom are now living, Alfred, Mary and 
Eliza, aged respectively 84, 82 and 78 years. Miss Mary Munroe furnished 
this family record and sent information in regard to the Clark-Greenough 
ancestry, for which we here tender our appreciative thanks. 

William and (110) Pattij (Stone) Munroe had nine children: 

(111) i. William^ Munroe, b. June 24, 1806 ; d. Apr. 27, 

1877. He built and presented the " Free Pub- 
lic Library " to the town of Concord, Mass. 

(112) li. Martha Stone^ Munroe, b. July 9, 1808; d. Feb. 

12, 1864. 

(113) iii. Man/ Elizabeth^ Munroe, b. Nov. 3, 1810; d. 

July 15, 1813. 

(114) iv. Thomas^ Munroe, b. Oct. 18, 1812; d. Aug. 11, 

1884; m. Ellen Middleton of London, Eng., 
July 4, 1839, and had three children : 

(115) i. Marjj 31iddleto7i' Munroe, d. young. 

(116) ii. Ral/jh Middleton'' Munroe, b. Apr. 3, 1851 ; 

m. first, Eva A. Hewitt of Staten Island, 
N.Y., and had Edith^ b. Mar. 19, 1881, d. 
Dec. 30, 1881 ; and m. second, Jessie Wirth 
of Waterbury, Conn., July, 1895, and had 
Martha Wirth« Munroe, b. Nov. 22, 1900, at 
Cocoanut Grove, Fla. 

(117) iii. Ellen Middleton'' Munroe, b. May 13, 1855 ; m. 

Dec. 25, 1878, Peter Townsend Austen, Ph.D., 
of Staten Island, N. Y., and has three children : 

(118) i. William^ Mnnroe, b. Mar. 23, 1883. 

(119) ii. Elizabeth Pattrf Munroe, b. Aug. 3, 1884. 

(120) iii. Osivald Townsend^ Munroe, b. Dec. 6, 1885. 

(121) V. Francis^ Munroe, b. Dec. 7. 1814 ; d. Nov. 7, 

1870; m. Nov. 12, 1844, Phebe F. Davis of 
Gloucester, Mass., and has one son : 

' (122) i. Alfred'' Munroe, b. May 12, 1848. 



62 PART I. 

(123) vi. Alfred^ Munroe, b. Jan. 4, 1817 ; m. Aug. 8, 1848, 

]\ri-s. Martha (Foye) ivozzell of Portsmoiith, 
2s. H. She d. Jan. 24, 186G. Mr. Munroe 
res. in Concord, Mass. 

(124) vii. Murif^ Munroe, b. Jan. 4,1819; res. in Concord, 

Mass. 

(125) viii. Elizabeth^ Munroe (Eliza) b. Sept. 14, 1822; 

res. in Concord, Mass. 

(126) ix. James Wallace^ Munroe, b. Apr. 25, 1825 ; d. 

Aug. 29, 1825. 

Note. Miss Mary Munroe kindly furnished records of Clark, Greenough and 
Stone families. 



(100) Thomas* Greenough, Jr. (Martha^ Clark, Sarah Bronsdon^, 

Robert Bronsdon^). 

He was b. May 8, 1738. Was a mathematical instr. maker; m. Jan. 20, 
1761, Axx Hobby, and d. at Westford, Aug. 11, 1775. 

Children: 

(127) i. BacheV' Greenough, b. in Boston, 1763; m. Mar. 6, 1786, Jonas 

Brooks. He d. at Wiscasset, Me., Sept. 28, 1850, and she d. 
Sept. 15, 1852, aged 89 yrs. See below (nine children). 

(128) ii. Ann^ Greenough, b. Aug. 24, 1765 ; m. first, Elisha Bangs, 

Xov. 2, 1786 ; second, John Bright ; third, John Paine, 
July 6, 1836. She d. Jan. 23, 1855. 

Three Children: 

(129) i. Mur}f Bangs, m. Daniel Tuttle ; d. aged 30 yrs. 

(130) ii. IVAo?/;c/i^ />(n//7.s. m. first, Eleanor Groves ; second, 

Elizabeth Tucker ; d. aged 34 yrs. 

(131) iii. George^ Bangs, d. at Savannah, Ga., aged 21 yrs. 

(132) iii. Sallif Greenough, b. ; m. Nov. 26, 1786, Wm. Cordwell, 

or Caldwell, and d. in Boston, aged 19 yrs. ; bur. at Copp's 
Hill. She left two children : 

(133) i. Snlly^ Cnhhrell, m. Thomas Weld. 

(134) ii. 21ari/ Caldwell. 

(135) iv. Elizaheth^ Greenough, b. in Boston, Aug. 17, 1771 ; m. IS^ov. 7, 
1793, Capt. Will slow Lewis of AVellfleet, Mass., and d. 
Jan. 11, 1842, aged 70 yrs. 

Six Children : 

(136) i. Winslow^ Lewis, Jr., b. Jan. 4, 1829 ; d. June 8, 

1831. 

(137) ii. Eli-:aheth Greenough^ Lewis, b. Dec. 31, 1831 ; 

m. Nov. 21, 1855, George H. Gay, M.D., and 
had children : 

(138) i. Frederic Lewis' Gay, b. Oct. 28, 1857. 

(139) ii. George Henrif Gay, b. Mar. 20, 1861. 



BRONSDON FAMILY. 63 



(140) iii. MarUt irichards^ Leiris, b. Apr. 20, 1834; m. 

Nov. ^5, 18;")"), Warren Fisher, Jr., of Boston; 
d. Jan. 9, 1859, aged 24 yrs. 

(141) iv. Frederic W'msloir^ Leu-is, b. Jan. 25. 1830; 

d. young. 

(142) V. irinsloir'^ Leu-is (name changed by act of legis- 

lature from James Lewis), b. Feb. 25, 1839 ; 
d. aged 10 yrs. 

(143) vi. EmeJine^ Lewis, b. Apr. 18, 1841; m. Arthur 

Cheney, Oct. 29, 18GG, in Boston. 



(137) Rachel^ Grebnough (m. Jonas Brooks) (Thomas^ Jr., Martha* 
Clark, Sarah Bronsdon^, Robt. Bronsdon^). 

Rachel^ Greenough, whose birth, marriage, etc., are already given, 
liad nine children : 

i. Jonas G.^ Brooks, d. young. 

(144) ii. Jonas G.^ Brooks, b. at Pepperell, Mass., Aug. 20, 1789 ; m. at 

Wiscasset, Me., Betsy, dau. of Col. Ezekiel Cutter, Sept. 21, 
1817 ; d. Feb. 18, 1828, in his 39th year. 

(145) iii. An?i Ilomer^ Brooks, b. July, 1791 ; m. Capt. Elisha J. Taylor, 

Jan. 27, 1853. 
(14G) iv. Rachel^ Brooks, b. Mar. 16, 1794; m. Capt. Wm. Carleton of 
Wiscasset, Me., Dec. 24, 1818. . 

(147) V. John^ Brooks, h. June 27, 1795; merchant at AViscasset, Me. ; 

m. Charlotte Webster, Sept. 25, 1825. 

(148) vi. Eliza Lewis^ Brooks, b. May 18, 1797 ; m. first, Capt. George 

Woods; and m. second, Philip E. Theobald, M.D., of Wis- 
casset, Me. 

(149) vii. Andreu- Homer^ Brooks, a mariner, d. at Cronstadt, Russia, 
viii. Mary Allen^ Brooks, b. Dec. 14, 1802 ; d. 1826, unmarried. 

(150) ix. EmeUne H.^ Brooks, b. at Augusta, Me., Apr. 1, 1804 ; m. Nov. 21, 

1823, Charles Willvins of Boston, and had seven children : 

(151) i. Charles Brooks'' Wilkins. b. 1829; m. 

Norris, dau. of S. Norris of Boston, and d. 
Nov. 23, 1856. 

(152) ii. Man/ Wilkins. 

(153) iii. Emeline' Willdns. 

(154) iv. Charlofte'' Wilkins. 

(155) V. Joseph'' Wilkins. 

(156) vi. Henry' Wilkins. 

(157) vii. George? W'dkins. 



(102) JoHx* Greenough (Martha^ Clark, Sarah Bronsdon'^, 

Robert Bronsdon^). 

He was b. 1742; grad. at Yale Coll., 1759; m. Mehitable Dilling- 
ham of Harwich, Mass., Oct. 16, 1766; lived at Wellfleet ; d. July, 1781. 
She d. Ax;g. 25, 1798, aged 51 yrs. 



64 PAKT I. 

Children : 

(158) i. Sarah^ Greenough, b. Sept. 3, 1768 ; drowned, Nov. 30, 1788. 

(159) ii. -fohn^ Greenough, Jr., b. July 18, 1770; d. at the age of 19 yrs. 
(IGO) iii. inilifim^ Greenough, b. Jan. 6, 1772; twice married. See 

below. 

(161) iv. Davkl^ Greenough, b. July 24, 1774; lived in Boston; m. Betty 

liender of Marlboro. See below. 

(162) V. AhlgaiP Greenough, b. Dec. 28, 1776. 

(163) vi. Me'hitalde^ Greenough, b. Apr. 18, 1779; d. at Boston, May 1, 

1781. 

(164) vii. 3[ehitable^ Greenough, b. May 3, 1781 ; d. Aug. 23, 1798. 



( IGO I William^ Greenough (John^, Martha^ Clark, Sarah Bronsdon^, 

Egbert Brgnsdon^). 

William* Greenough, b. 1772; m. first, Mary Moore of Boston, 
Apr. 24, 1794 ; she d. June 10, 1809 ; and he m. second, Mary Harrod of 
Haverhill, Apr. 15, 1811. 

Ch ihlren : 

(165) i. Thomas Moore^ Greenou(ih, b. in Boston, Mar. 24, 1795 ; 

d. Sept. 10, 1826. 

(166) ii. Sarah^ Greenough, b. July 12, 1796; d. Sept. 8, 1798. 

(167) iii. John^ Greenough, b. January, 1798; d. young. 

(168) iv. William Charles^ Greenough, b. July 19, 1799 ; d. Feb. 3, 1827. 

(169) V. Albert A.^ Greenouqh. b. Mar. 30, 1802. 

(170) vi. Benj. F.^ Greenough, b. Mar. 22, 1806; m. Sophie Webb; 

no children. 

(171) vii. EdiiK J/.« Greenough, b. Dec. 7, 1808. 

(172) viii. John J.° Greenough, b. Jan. 19, 1812; m. Dec. 16, 1835, Mary 

F. Gushing. 

(173) ix. Jo.s-. If.^ Greenougli, b. Dec. 4, 1814; d. young. 



(IGl) I>Aviij^ Greenough (John*, Martha^ Clark, Sarah Bronsdon^, 

Robert Bronsdon^). 

]^A\ii)'''' Greenough, fourth child of John and Mehitable (Dillingham) 
Greenough, in. at Marlborough, Mass., "Betty" Bender, dan. of Peter and 
Abigail Bender, and b. at Marlborough, Sept. 10, 1776. Her father, Peter 
Bender, was the son of Jacob and Abigail Bender, who emigrated from the 
vicinity of Eschelbach, Baden, in Germany, about the year 1750. They 
were influential members of Trinity Church, Boston. The Bender family, 
in Boston, lived in Frog Lane (Boylston Street), where Jacob Bender d. 
June 29, 1783, aged 73 yrs. ; and Abigail, his wife, d. Mar. 1, 1800, aged 
81 yrs. (These Avere the grandparents of Betty (Bender) Greenough; also 
of Capt. William Parker of Boston, whose grandson is Creighton W. 
Parker of Lynn, Mass.) Some members of the Bender family resided in 



BRONSDON FAMILY. 65 



North Carolina, and were wealthy planters. Tlie}^ were descendants of 
Jacob and Abigail Bender of Boston. David Greenough d. July, 1836. 
Tlieir Children were: 

(174) i. MehltahJe^ Greenough, d. young. 

(175) ii. John^ Greenovffh,h. Nov. 19,1801; grad. of Harvard Univ.; 

m. an English lady ; no children. 
(17C) iii. Laura An7i^ Greeiiougli, d. aged 13 yrs. 

(177) iv. Horatio^ Greenough, b. Sept. 6, 1805 ; grad. of Harvard Univ. ; 

m. Louisa Gore; d. at Somerville, Dec. 18, 1852. He was 
an eminent sculptor. 

(178) V. Henri/ Greenough, b. Oct. 5, 1807; ni. first, Frances Boott ; 

second, Susan P. Parker, Apr. 25, 1839; d. at Boston, 
June 10, 1851. 

(179) vi. Laura^ (christened Amelia) Greenough, b. Nov. 16, 1811 ; m. 

June 14, 1838, I. B. Curtis, and has descendants in Boston 
(see Pickering Gen.). 

(180) vii. Mlefi'^ Greenough, b. Mar. 28, 1814; m. C. P. Huntington 

June 2, 1847. 

(181) viii. Charlotte^ Greenough, b. Sept. 4, 1818 ; ni. June 3, 1852, Charles 

H. Parker of Boston. 

(182) ix. Richard SaltonstaW Greenough, b. Apr. 27, 1819; m. Oct. 20, 

1846, Sarah D. Loring. He was a noted sculptor ; his statue 
of Benjamin Franklin adorns the space in front of the City 
Hall, Boston, while the statue of Edward Everett, in the 
Boston Public Garden, is the work of Horatio Greenough. 

(86) Benjamin-^ Clark (Sarah^, Robert Bronsdok^). 

Benjamin^ Clark was bapt. Aug. 10, 1718. There is a record of his 
marriage as follows : 

"Intentions of marriage of Benjamin Clark and Susanna Humble, 
Oct. 22, 1742." ' 

Marriage of Benjamin Clark and Susanna Humble, Nov. 25, 1742. 
They were married at King's Chapel, Boston. 

Susanna was probably dau. of John and Susanna (Jarret) Humble of 
Boston, who were married by the Presbyterian minister. Rev. Samuel Miles, 
Dec. 19, 1716. 

In 1747 and 1749, Benjamin and Susanna Clark disposed of all their 
real estate in Boston for a considerable sum, and do not again appear in the 
records, which gives rise to a reasonable conjecture that they removed from 
Boston at or just after that time. 

Benjamin Clark was a merchant; in 1729, he Avas the partner of 
Christopher Kilby. 

Note. Mr. I. J. Greenwood writes that, " Mrs. Susannah Clark died in 1771 and 
left no children. Benjamin Clark was an 'Addressor & Protester' in 1774, died, prob- 
ably in poor circumstances, Feb. 19, 1780, and is buried in his father's vault on Copp's 
Hill." ^^ 

5 



66 



PART I. 



Beniamin Clark inherited in right of his mother the old Cooley-Bronsdon 
estate, and from his father, a warehouse described in deed given below ; 
also other property : 

Clark to Goldthwait : 

<« To all People to whom these presents shall come 
Beniamin Clark of Boston .... merchant, sendeth greeting. 

Know ye that I the said Benjamin Clark for and m consideration of the 
sum of .■t'2050 in good bills of credit of the old tenor to me m hand paid 

bv Thomas Goldthwait of Boston, merchant .... have granted 
bargained sold and confirmed .... unto the said Thomas Gold- 
thwait all that Brick warehouse with the land and wharf whereon the same 
doth stand situate lying and being near the entrance or mouth of the Dock 
commonly known as Beudalls Dock in Boston and contameth m length 
40 feet or thereabouts and in breadth 20 feet, with all the cellars, rooms 
and appurtenances thereunto belonging, late the estate of William Clark late 
of said Boston, merchant, deceased, also half the passage or wharf on the 
westerly side of said warehouse with that and the warehouse of Joseph 
Tlu.mpson of London Esq. (?) which said passageway is to he m common, 
each proprietor reparing his part thereof, which said warehouse 
is butted and bounded easterly by the warehouse of the late John Foster 
Esq standing on the wharffe formerly John Woodmanseys, southerly by 
the warehouse formerly of John Wait standing also upon the said Wood- 
manseys wharffe, westerly by the aforesaid passageway and northerly by a 
wharffe, highway or passageway that leads from the Swing Bridge at the 
mouth or e°itrance of the Town Dock aforesaid towards the sea, together 
with the free liberty of landing and shipping off any goods belonging to the 

said Thomas Goldthwait also liberty to build a chamber over 

the wharffe, .... leaving a passageway of convenient height for the 
passage of 'loaden carts, .... also liberty to build a crane in said 
chamber .... and to keep in said warehouse a scale, beam and 

wei"-hts yielding or paying for the same on the 1st day of 

Apnl yearly one pepper corn if demanded as an Honorarium to the Treas- 
urer or Selectmen of the Town of Boston according to a covenant and 
agreement between the said John Woodmansey and the Selectmen of said 

Town of Boston bearing date 20th of October 1669 

I the said Benjamin Clark and Susanna my wife have hereunto set our 
hands and seals the 21st day of August 1749 in presence of Mary Bridge, 

John Bridge." 

Ack. before Ezekikl Goldthwait. 
(Book 77, leaf 52, Suffolk Deeds.) 



(84) KoBEKT^ Clark (Sarah-, Kobt. Bro^sdon.^). 

Egbert' Clark,' tenth child of William and Sarah (Bronsdon^) Clark, 
was b. Apr. 22, 1716, and is the one mentioned in the records of the town of 
Lunenburgh as having married July 31, 1738, Mrs. Mary Pvead. He is 
spoken of in 1762 as '^non compos meritls," and under the guardianship of 
Jonathan Willard, Esq., gentleman, of Lunenburgh. 



BRONSDON FAMILY. 67 



Children of Egbert^ and Mary Clark : 

(183) i. Sarah^ Clark, b. Aug. 9, 1739, in Lunenburgli. 

(184) ii. Mari/' Clark, b. Feb. 11, 1741-42, in Lunenbul•^h. 

(185) iii. William' Clark, b. Nov. 30, 1743, in Lnnenburgh. 

There is no further mention of this family, but doubtless they could 
be traced from the Probate Records of Worcester County, 

In Suffolk Reg. of Deeds we find that on Apr. 8, 1748, Jonathan 
Willard, guardian for Robert Clark of Lunenburgh, Mass., conveyed two- 
fifths of the Clark Mansion (Clark-Frankland House) to Thomas Greenough 
for £1640, old tenor. 

Memoranda. 

Dea. Thomas Greenough gave to the church at Newton, in 1781, a 
''christening Bason, Two Flagons and two dishes for the Communion Ser- 
vice." His son by a second wife, Rev. Wm. Greenough, was Pastor of that 
church for fifty years. 

Clark's Wharf. 

Clark's Wharf was the principal wharf at the North End. It was 
opposite the point where later stood the British Coffee House. The Wharf 
was afterward Hancock's Wharf, and now Lewis Wharf, Boston. 



68 PART I. 



The Bronsdon Line. 

(9) l^ENJAMiN Bronsdon^ (Robt.^). 

[Only surviving son of Robert]. 

(9) Benjamin Bronsdon^ Avas the son of Robert Bronsdon^ by his 
secoml Avife, Eebeckah. He was b. Aug. 30, 1686 ; m., by Increase Mather, 
Mar. 25, 1707-8, to Miss Mary Bant, who was b. in Boston, at the " South 
End," Mar. 22, 1691-2, and was the dau. of Capt. Gilbert and Mercy (Whitwell) 

Bant. Benjamin m. second, Elizabeth , who outlived him. Mrs. 

Mary (Bant) Bronsdon d. Oct. 6, 1751, and Benjamin Bronsdon^ d. April 12, 
1757. Elizabeth was his wife before 1756. He was a merchant. 

We have the names of seventeen children, all b. in Boston ; some dates 
were obtained from the town records, and others from the books of the Second 
or " Okie North " Church. 

Children: 

(187) i. Merci/ Bronsdon^ b. Sept. 15, 1708; d. Dec. 17, 1786, aged 78 ; 

m. first, John Frizzel], Jr. ; second, Jos. Wise; third, Hon. 
Wm. Stoddard. See below. 

(188) ii. Miwy Bronsdon^, b. Aug. 12; bapt. Aug. 13, 1710; d. Oct. 15, 

1721, aged 11 yrs. 

(189) iii. liehecca Bronsdnn^, b. Apr. 12; bapt. Apr. 13, 1712; d. July 4, 

1712, aged 3 mos. 

(190) iv. Robert Brousdoti^, b. July 12, 1713 ; bapt. July 13; d. Dec. 11, 

1713, aged 6 mos. 

(191) V. Gllhert Bronsdon^, b. Feb. 2; bapt. Feb. 27, 1714-15; d. before 

1732. 

(192) vi. Benjamin Bronsdon^, h.Y&h. 2^, Illo-IQ; m. first, Hand; 

second, Elizabeth Foxcroft; was living iu 1756. See below. 

(193) vii. iiohert Bronsdon^, b. Aug. 9; bapt. Aug. 11, 1717 ; d. Oct. 16, 

1721, aged 4 yrs. 

(194) viii. William Bronsdon^, b. Apr. 6; bapt. Apr. 12, 1719; d. Aug. 25, 

1719, aged 6 mos. 

(195) ix. William Brom^don^, b. May 2, 1720 ; bapt. May 8 ; d. Oct. 1, 1721, 

aged 17 mos. 
(190) X. Bant Bronsdon^, b. Oct. 23, 1721 ; m. Elizabeth Box; d. between 

1765 and 1774. See below. 
(197) xi. Robert Bronsdon^, b. Mar. 10, 1722 ; living 1726, but not in 1756 ; 

probably m. Mary and d. ; she m., 1748, Thomas 

Allison. 
C198) xii. William, Bronsdon'', b. July, 1724; d. young (before 1728). 
{l\Y^) xiii. Mary Bronsdon^, bapt. Dec. 19, 1726 ; d. single, prob. in 1784. 

(200) xiv. Sarah Bro7isdon\ bapt. Feb. 26, 1727 ; d. before 1756. 

(201) XV. William Bronsdon^ bapt. June 16, 1728 ; d. before 1756. Noth- 

iug more knowu of him. 



BRONSDON FAMILY. 69 



(202) xvi. Elizabeth Bronsdon% b. Feb. 29, 1729; d. single, Feb. 11, 1810, 

aged 81 vrs. See below. 

(203) xvii. Rebecca Bronsdou^, b. Nov., 1731; living in 175G; may have m. 

Damerill. No further record. 



(9) Benjamin Bronsdon's Biography. 

The oldest son, Joseph Bronsdon'-, was living when Benjamin Bvonsdon^ 
Avas born, therefore the advent of another male heir did not seem of such 
importance as it afterward assumed, for Joseph died in his young manhood 
a few months, or years, before his father, and thus Benjamin became the 
head of the family at his father's death in 1701. As was stated in the 
biography of Robert Bronsdon^, arrangements were made whereby William 
Clark, upon his marriage to Miss Sarah Bronsdon'^, should take up his resi- 
dence ill the Bronsdon mansion, and Benjamin should live with them. 
Samuel Greenwood was executor of the Bronsdon estate. Benjamin chose 
for his guardian, William Clark, as seen by the following : 

Letter of Guardianship. 

" Know all men by these presents that I, Benjamin, son of Robert 
Bronsdon late of Boston in the County of Suffolke within the Province of 
the Massachusetts Bay in New England, merch'^, decsd, (being a minor about 
16 years of age) Have nominated and chosen and do hereby nominate make 
choice of and depute my Brother in law William Clark of Boston afores'* 
mercli* to be my Guardian with full power and authority for me and in my 
name and to my use to aske, demand, sue for, recover, receive & take into 
his possession and custody all and singular such part and portion of the 
estate left by my s^ father as doth of right belong and accrue unto me and 
all other estate to me belonging or appertaining by any ways or means what- 
ever and to manage imploy and improve the same for ni}^ best profit and 
advantage during my minority and to do all and whatsoever may be neces- 
sary in and about the premises as fully and effectually as I myselfe might 
or could do being of full age, praying that he may be accordingly accepted 
with the Same power and trust." 

Witness my hand and Seal thereunto set the third day of August, anno 
domini 1702 

(signed) B. Bronsdon and a seal 

Signed, sealed and delivered 
in presence of us. 

John Clark. 
Jonathan Evans. 

Suffolk, By the Hon*'i« Elisha Cook Escf Judge of Probate &c The 
above mentioned minor Benjamin personally appeared before me and on the 
day and date thereof acknowledged the above written instrument or Letter 
of Guardianship to be his Act and Deed Which I do approve of and allow 



70 PAKT I. 

\iul in testimony thereof have hereunto set my hand and seal of the 
Court of Probate afoVes'* Dated at Boston afores* the 3*^ day of August, 
Anno Domini 1702. 

Examiii'' p'- Is^ Addingtox Reg'. (signed) Elisha Cooke. 

Young Benjamin was lavishly supplied with all the belongings of a 
young man of fashion. Black stockings and shoes of many kinds ; yards 
and yards of long cloth and line '•' linnen " which were made into ruffled 
shirts and " neck-cloathes " for " Ben " by Abigail Jarvis ; '' imported cloth for 
fine suits of clothes, and Jon^ Pollard the taylor" cut and made them in 
the latest fashion ; powder and powder boxes, combs, etc. ; divers pairs of 
gloves; a suit of clothes charged at £11 ; a Bible and a Prayer Book, are a 
few of the items charged to his account ; also, " spending money for Ben as 

agreed ixpon," etc. 

There is nothing in Samuel Greenwood's account that throws any light 
upon the means taken to educate the young heir. Doubtless the proper 
course was followed, as in matters of dress. His signature is good, showing 
that he practised with the pen. On Jan. 2, 1708, he became a member of 
the Second Church, where he had been baptized as an infant. A few weeks 
later he married Miss Mary Bant, whose father, Capt. Gilbert Bant, was 
one of the most prominent and wealthy gentlemen of Boston. (See Appen- 
dix I for history of the Bant family.) Mary Bant was born at the South End 
of Boston, but her father seems to have been a member of the Second Church, 
although many of his family belonged to the South Church. 

Some of Benjamin Bronsdon's friends and. associates are indicated in 
an entry in the Journal of Samuel Sewall, who has written as follows : 

"INIch 30^" 1705. Went to the funeral of young M'' Allen, M' Daniel 
Allen's son, a very hopeful youth. Gov. and his lady there. Bearers Wil- 
lard, David Stoddard, Bronsdon, Coleman, Banister and Foxcraft." 

The custom of the time was for the nearest friends of the deceased to 
officiate as bearers. 

The Bant family has always exercised an unbounded influence upon the 
Bronsdon race. Bant is now a lost name in Boston, where it once stood for 
wealth and power. In point of suitability of age, fortune and family, the 
marriage of Benjamin Bronsdon and Mary Baut seemed perfect. The young 
couple must have had a gay wedding in the new mansion house j^the " Black- 
stone House," demolished in 1870 by the widening of Hanover Street). 
Mary was then about 16, and Benjamin 21 years old. They went to house- 
keeping in the Bronsdon mansion, long since swept away in the "'changes 
which time hath wrought " at the North End. 

Benjamin had taken charge of his own business upon coming of age. 
Tradition in the Bronsdon family tells us that William Bant, his brother-in- 
law, was at one time in partnership with him. Opposite his house was 



BKONSDON FAMILY. 



Bronsdon's wharf, " 100 feet deep"; also a ware house and brew house, and 
lie owned a second ware house in Merchant's Row. A large section of the 
out wharves belonged to him. I u the year 1707, he "owned three neagroes." 
In 1708, he served a term as Constable, and thereby considered himself 
discharged from public duties, for when elected to the office, in 172G, 
he "declined to serve." 

"In 1723, Mr. Beuj. Bronsdon chosen Clerk of the j\[arket. Declined 
to serve." (See Town llecord.) 

" Anno 1726 Jan"' 30. Liberty is granted by the Selectmen to Benjamin 
Bronsdon to take up the pavement and digg up the ground to clear the drain 
from his house in Ship Street to a cellar across the way in said Street pro- 
vided he forth with make good the ground and pavement to the satisfaction 
of the Selectmen and keep it in repare from time- to time." (Town Eecord.) 



Allowances to Build. 

"Benjamin Bronsdon allowed to erect a Timber building for a Store- 
house of 60 foot long, 15 foot wide & 7 foot studd on his wliarff below his 
Warehouse in Ship Street in Boston the s*^ Building to stand w*'^ the North 
westerly End thereof Forty foot Distant beloAv his other Building & the 
South easterly End thereof towards the Harbour." 

" Allowance to Benjamin Bronsdon to Erect Timber buildings for a Salt 
house of 25 foot Long, 14 foot wide and 8 foot Stud on his Wharfe to Stand 

4 foot Distant below his Smith's Shop in the present tenure of 

Townsend and the Easterly end thereof joyning to a Warehouse of his Stand- 
ing nigh the lower End of his Wharfe below Ship Street at the North End 
of Boston the Said Spot of Wharfe having been usually Incumbred with 
Lumber and combustable things." Aug. 1, 1710. 

" Allowance to Build to Benjamin Bronsdon to erect a Timber Building 
for a Warehouse of Forty foot long, sixteen foot wide & sixteen foot studd on 
the easterly or lower end of his Wharfe Scituate at the lower side of Ship 
Street in Boston the w''^ Building will Stand Forty foot distant from any 
other Building now standing. In Consideration of his erecting the s'^ build- 
ing the better to prevent the spreading of fire he will demolish buildings of 
his about the same breadth and length now standing upon the upper or 
westerly part of his s*^ Avharfe." July 14, 1715. (See 29th Pteport Eec. 
Com., Boston.) 

Also, in 1715, Benjamin Bronsdon's petition to be allowed to erect other 
buildings with timber disallowed by the town. (See Town Records.) 

"Jan'' 30 1713-14. Cry of fire about five in the morning. Mv. Webbs 
malthouse near M'' Bronsdons was burnt down. Part of the house of M'" 
Bronsdon the Landlord began to burn." (Sewall's Diary.) 



72 PAKT T. 

One has only to read of the terribly destructive conflagrations of those 
times to realize something of the anxiety that day must have brought to 
Benjamin and his family. 

The following Bill of Lading is preserved by one of the families 
descended from Benjamin Bronsdon-, to whom it refers : 

" Shipped by the Grace of God in good order and well 
conditioned, by Edward Nickolls, in and upon the good ship 
called the Edward, wliereof is master under God for this 
present voyage Kathaniel Mason Commander and now 

B B riding at Anchor in the Bay of Carlile and by God's Grace 

Xo H. bound for Boston. 

ba To sayP'our Hhds. of rum Being on the proper account 

& risque of Mr. Benj* Bronsdon merchant of Boston 
bein" marked and numbered as in the margent. and also to 
be delivered in the lihe good order and well conditioned at 
the aforesaid Port of Boston (the Danger of the seas only 
excepted) unto the above said M"" Benj'^ Bronsdon or to his 
assigns he or they paj'ing freight for said goods Five 
pounds — With Primage and Average accustomed In wit- 
ness whereof the Master or Purser of said Ship hath 
affirmed to three Bills of Ladings all of this tenor and date 
the one of which three Bills being accomplished the other 
two to stand void. And so God send the good ship to her 
desired j)ort in safety, Amen. 

Dated in Barbados, May i2"\ 1713. 
Insides and Contents unknown. 

Nath^ Masox." 

In the original paper the letter S is a large and beautiful letter, 
engraved with ships in the lower curl of the S. 

Of the seventeen children, wliose names are recorded as having been 
born to Benjamin and Mary Bronsdon, but two had descendants. Three of 
them died in the short space of four weeks, in the Autumn of 1721, swept 
away by one of those terrible epidemics which periodically devasted the 
land. One of the most deplorable things in colonial times was the waste 
of infant life. One little Bronsdon died in 1712, another in 1713, and still 
another in 1719, so that in 1721 but three out of nine children remained in 
the family. 

Of these, Mercy ^, the first-born, was thrice married, and died at 78, 
leaving no descendants. Gilbert^ the namesake and favorite of his grand- 
father Bant, who made provision to give him an education at Harvard Col- 
lege, died probably of the small-pox, which raged with fearful virulence in 
the North End of Boston, in 1728-30 ; for though he was now living in 
1726, he had died before 1732. 

Benjamin* became a sea-captain. He married and had children, but 



BRONSDON FAMILY. 73 



has no male descendants, in this conntry, at least ; he finally settled perma- 
nently in England. lie has descendants in America, through his daughter, 
Mrs. Martha^ Eddy, and died in 18.30. 

In the midst of all the sorrow occasioned by the loss of the children 
in 1721, Bant Bronsdon^ was born. He survived, and is the ancestor of all 
bearing the name of Bronsdon in America. 

Four of the Bronsdon infants were named William for William Bant, 
their uncle ; all died young. Three attempts were made to jjerpetuate the 
name of Robert, but in vain ; and there has never been a Eobert Bronsdon 
since those days. Other branches of the family kept " Robert " as a favorite 
name, but the surname was not, of course, Bronsdon. 

Mary Bronsdon^, the thirteenth child is supposed to have been that 
Mistress Mary Bronsdon who died in 1781, at the age of 03 yrs. Elizabeth 
Bronsdon'^, '' ]\Iiss Betty," lived until 1810, and Avas the last of her genera- 
tion. There was a younger daughter, Rebecca Bronsdon^, who probably 
married, but of whom we cannot find the slightest trace after 1756. It has 
been suggested that she also went to England. 

The sons of Benjamin Bronsdon'-, having been ship masters, a goodly 
portion of the Bronsdon wealth was invested in marine enterprises, and as 
those times were particularly disastrous, on account of the French and Eng- 
lish troubles and reprisals, we may conclude that Benjamin, as well as his 
brother-in-law Clark, suffered severe losses from that cause. 

Mention of, or Abstracts of Deeds, Connected with 
Benjamin Bronsdon's- Estate. 

In 1708, on attaining the age of 21 years, he deeded his half of the 
old Cooley estate to his brother-in-law, William Clark. This was the home 
of Henry Cooley, whose widow married Robert Bronsdon, and thereby 
brought him a fortune. This estate passed from W^illiam Clark to Benja- 
min^ Clark, nephew and namesake of Benjamin Bronsdon^. The Cooley 
house was next to the Bronsdon residence. 

Bronsdon to Williams. 

In 1708, he sold the " Knight place" in Salem to John Williams. This 
was one of the first (if not tlie first) estates acquired in Massachusetts 
Bay Colony by Robert Bronsdon^ (See Essex Reg. of Deeds at Salem ; 
also, biography of Robert Bronsdon in this book.) 

''Out Wharf.'' 

In 1719, he sold a section of the ''ont wharf " or sea wall, near King 
(now State Street) Pier (Long Wharf) to Samuel Greenwood, his brother-in- 
law. (Book 34, leaf 163, Suffolk Reg. of Deeds.) 



74 PAKT I. 

Bronsdon to Hooten (Houghton). 

In 172G, he disposed of a house and laud to John Hooten, and three 
years Later Hooten bought additional land of Bronsdon, together with- a 
right of way and a wharf privilege. (Book 39, leaf 234, Suffolk Deeds.) 

Bro7isclon to Clark. 

In 1740, he mortgaged another section of the out-wharves to William 
Clark, also land on Ship Street. (Book 59, leaves 122, 123, Suffolk Deeds.) 

/// Mendon and She)'l)orn. 

Benjamin Bronsdon was one of a company of merchants, which 
included William Douglass, Habijah Savage, Esq., John Bonning, William 
and Andrew Tyler, who purchased of the State, through its agents, Paul 
Dudley, John Quiney and Benjamin Whittemore, two parcels of land, one 
plat, lettered A, containing llOl acres at Mendon and Sherborn ; the other, 
lettered B, at " AUum" Pond on the Province line, containing 1900 acres, 
for all of which the sum of £528 :19s. was paid. (Book 36, leaf 262, 
Suffolk Reg.) 

An old map of 1732 gives Bronsdon as the owner of a w^arehouse in 
Merchant's Eow. Prom his house to the Eow he had to cross the "Swing 
Bridge," across the Dock. In the rear of the warehouse was the old Corn 
Market, beyond which was Woodmansey's Wharf. (See diagram in Boston 
^Memorial History.) In front of the warehouse was the market, where 
'< fish, flesh and fowl were to be had in abundance, supplemented by a gen- 
erous variety of vegetables, fruits and herbs, while a profusion of nuts and 
berries in their seasons helped to furnish forth the tables of our ancestors." 
Merchants and sliij) owners also imported foreign fruits and products. The 
streets were first formally named in 1708. Anne Street started at Dock 
Square, led northerly over the Swing Bridge to Elliston's Corner (so called 
from George Elliston's shop, but Capt. Bant owned the building), at the 
foot of Cross Street. From Elliston Corner the way took the name of Fish 
.Street, and on that part Mrs. Mary (Bronsdon) Evans lived. From Everton's 
Corner the way took the name of Ship Street to the North Battery, and it 
was then the water front. Since then the flats have been filled, wharves 
extended further out, and Commercial Street (a part of which was 
Greenough's Lane) interposed between Ship Street (now North) and the 
water. 

Soon after the death of ^Nlary, his wife, Benjamin Bronsdon^ sold his 
wharf and warehouse to Thomas Goldthwait. 

We quote a portion of this deed : 

" To All People unto whom these presents shall come Benjamin 
Bronsdon of Boston in the County of Suffolk and Province of Massachu- 
setts Bay in New England, merch*. sends greeting, Know ye That I the s^^ 
Benjamin Bronsdon for and in consideration of the sum £266:13s:4d 



BRONSDON FAMILY. 75 



lawful money to me in haucl paid at and before the ensealing and delivery 
of these presents well and truly paid by Thomas Goldthwait of ]>oston 
]\[erch^ the receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge, do convey all that 
parcel of land with the Avharffe, Avarehouse, shops and buildings thereon 
sitnate being and lying at the Northerly end of Boston known by the 
name of Bronsdon's Wharffe and is the whole lower part thereof for the 
distance of 168 feet from the street called Ship street and is bounded 
northerly on land and wharf of the heirs of Samuel White, deed, and east- 
erly on salt Avater 36 feet, southerly on William Bant's land and westerly 
on the passageway leading from Ship street down to the hereby granted 
premises in part and partly on said Bronsdons own land and warehouse 
measuring 3G feet in width and to hnv Avater mark." 

Witnessed bv William Stoddard and Ezekiel Goldthwait on Nov. 16, 
1751. (See Book 80, leaf 271, Suffolk Deeds.) 

William Bant agreed not to obstruct the Avaterway to said Avharf by 
building out so as to exclude vessels exceeding 200 tons burthen. 

In 1754, Benjamin Bronsdon sold that part of the Wharf and land 
previously reserved by him, to GoldthAvait. (See Book 85, leaf 137, Suffolk 
Reg. of Deeds.) 

In 1756, William Bant died, and, in the settlement of the Bant estate, 
it became necessary to sell the mansion on Middle (Hanover) Street. (This 
was the house afterAvard knoAvn as the "Blackstone House," and is fully 
described in the Bant history in this book — see Appendix I.) Ezekiel Gold- 
thwait was the purchaser, and he required a quit-claim deed of each heir to 
the Bant estate. By these papers Ave learn that Benjamin Bronsdon-, Sr., 
had married again between the times of selling property in 1751 and sign- 
ing this paper in 1755, for the name of Elizabeth, his wife, appears Avith 
his. We also learn that Benjamin Bronsdon*^, Jr., " mariner," and his second 
wife, Elizabeth (Foxcroft), were living. 

Bant Bronsdon^, •' mariner," and his wife, Elizabeth (Box), also released 
the estate to Ezekiel Goldthwait on Jan. 23, 1756. Mrs. Mercy (Bronsdon^) 
Stoddard and her third husband, William Stoddard, Mary Bronsdon*^ and 
Elizabeth Bronsdon, "spinsters," and Rebecca Bronsdon^, ''single Avoman," 
were the other heirs Avho released each their one-sixth part of the Bant 
estate. (Book 88, Suffolk Deeds.) 

In a little over a tAvelve-month later, Mr. Benjamin Bronsdon'^ passed 
away. His death Avas unexpected, and took place in the house Avhere he 
was born and had lived for seventy-one years, doubtless as happily as com- 
monly falls to the lot of man. One sister. Madam Clark, outlived him, 
dying in 1762. They tAvo had for many years been the sole survivors of 
Robert Bronsdon's children. 

It was about this time that the Clark Mansion Avas sold to the Franklands. 

Benjamin Bronsdon d. intestate, Apr. 12, 1757, leaving a widoAv Eliza- 
beth, of Avhom Ave know nothing further, although the sale of the Bronsdon 



70 PART I. 

:^Iaiision, aeferved until 1764, may indicate that slie died then. Both sons 
were absent, and lion. William Stoddard, the husband of the oldest daughter 
(Mercy), was appointed administrator, Apr. 28, 1757. The appraisers were 
three merchants : Nathaniel Greenwood, John Pimm and Robert Breck. 
(See Book 53, leaves 337-54, 547, Suffolk Probate Eeg.) 

• The Inventory is recorded in part. The '' Distribution " is missing. 
He left a '• ^Mansion house with all appurtenances," and another dwelling 
liouse and shop fronting on Ship Street. 

There were enumerated the comfortable and, for the times, elegant fur- 
nishings of his liome : pictures, books, china, plate, carpets (besides •' per- 
sonal property, not itemized, to the amount of £54," passed over to Mrs. 
"William Stoddard, who was the favored one in the distribution), and "one 
negro woman." 

The old Bronsdon clock, which in Pvobert Bronsdon's inventory was 
valued at £3, had increased to £8 in value. 

:Mr. Bronsdon had two tenants who paid rent — the Pvev. Mr. McClern- 
ochan and Elisha Doubleday. 

He owed no debts, except a mortgage on some real estate. 

Mr. Heath charged a shilling for shaving him after death. 

In 17G4, William Stoddard, as administrator, sold the Bronsdon home- 
stead to Willliam Page, at auction. 

Bronsdon Estate to Govge (Gooch). 

William Stoddard, Adm'", also sold house and land inventoried as 
" House and shop on Ship Street," to the heirs of Thomas Gouge, " painter- 
stainer." This was in reality half of a double house : the other half belonged 
to Thomas Kemble, who inherited it from Timothy Kemble, his father, who 
purchased it of William Clark. This was the Widow Bronsdon's home, and 
at her death it reverted to the Gale family. Mrs. Gale was a niece of Rob- 
ert Bronsdon, and lived in Broomham, Co. Wilts, England, but her son, 
Benjamin Gale, was in Boston. The Gales sold the property to Isaac 
Dickman, who sold to Clark. 

The half belonging to the Bronsdon estate was sold, as above stated, to 
Gouge, or Gooch, who made over the property to Thomas Kemble, so that 
Kemble then owned the whole; but evidently he bought to sell again, for 
soon we find that John Newell, cooper, bought of Thomas Kemble the east- 
erly end of said house, measuring eighteen feet on Whitebread Alley (Harris 
Street), more or less, together with the free use of the "stack of stairs" in 
the middle of the house, from garret to cellar. Newell sold to John White, 
baker, and on July 4, 1764, Mrs. Elizabeth Newell released her right of 
dower. 

The liouse is afterward traced to the ownership of John Brown, mer- 
chant, and in Dec, 1789, John Brown, Jr., and Elizabeth Brown quit-claimed 



BRONSDON FAMILY. 77 



tlie premises to their niotlier, Ellen, and on Feb. 5, 1794, she sold the prop- 
erty to Joseph Hurd of Gharlestown. 

John Brown, Jr., purchased half a double house in Clark Street ; in the 
other half lived Miss "Betty" Bronsdon^, who owned it. They purchased at 
nearly the same time. 

One of the Bronsdon houses became the property of the Tudor family. 
It was from this family that Whitebread Alley derived its name, from the 
fact that Madam Tudor made and sold delicious white bread rolls, then a 
novel luxiiry. 

The early history of Boston, always interesting, becomes more so when 
one realizes that one's own ancestors were a part of those times. Their man- 
ners and customs, Avell studied, show us more plainly how they must have 
appeared. There is a pleasure in revisiting the localities they once fre- 
quented, although the North End is sadly tarnished and fallen upon evil 
days, but Copp's Hill, in summer time, is quaint and lovely still, with an 
enchanting flavor of antiquity, less disturbed, perhaps, by the bevies of 
small Italian youngsters, who delight to play among the tombs, than would 
be the case if they were not so utterly disconnected with everything but the 
present time. We feel alone with our recollections of a past of which they 
have no part nor understanding, and the voices of the chime bells of Christ 
Church, '' most musical, most melancholy," seem strangely eloquent of other 
days. 

Benjamin Bronsdon- lies buried in his tomb, which is Number One, 
Old Ground, Copp's Hill Burying Ground. He had the tomb built about 
1717, or when that range was laid out. It is the present Bronsdon tomb, 
the oldest tomb having been sold by the heirs in 1811, after the reinoval of 
the remains of Eobert Bronsdon's family to this " new " tomb, which is very 
commodious. 

Close by are the family tombs of the Greenoughs and the Greenwoods, 
and further along on the Hull Street side is the Clark tomb, also that of the 
Bants, Mrs. Mary Bronsdon's father's family. The Bant tomb was num- 
bered seven, and now belongs to the heirs of Amos and Jedediah Lincoln, 
of whom the late revered ex-mayor of Boston, Frederic Walker Lincoln, 
was one. In answer to an inquiry as to whether his ancestors inherited or 
purchased the tomb, he replied that he did not know how it came into their 
possession. 

Tomb 119, in the oldest part of Copp's Hill, was the original tomb of 
Eobert Bronsdon. An inscription was placed on it by the Bronsdon heirs 
after the death of Miss Elizabeth Bronsdon, the last of his grandchildren, 
in 1810, as follows : 

" This Tomb belongs to the Heirs of 
Miss Elizabeth Bronsdon 
who departed this life March ^0, IS 10, , 

aged 82:' 



78 PART I. 

This tomb was sold by the heivs to William Abrams of Boston, and now 
belongs in the family of Lorenzo Burge, late of Boston : for copy of deed of 
sale see (283) Mrs. Sarah B.* Curtis, born Bronsdon. 

The present Bronsdon family tomb is identified by the name ''Brons- 
don '' cut in the stone curbing on the Hull Street side. The original entrance 
to the tomb was long since demolished, and now the entrance is under 
ground, in the jiath on the Hull Street side. Interments in the tomb ceased 
about 1840, so far as known. In 1883 the interior of the tomb was in good 
order. There had been many burials there between 1717 and 1840, Sarah^ 
Dennis being the last. 

Here, at last, to this little Burial Ground on Copp's Hill, Boston, we 
come with our ancestor, Robert Bronsdon, and his children and most of his 
grandchildren, and even those of later generations. Whether, living, they 
had much or little, they now have a small and equal space in their last 
home. What really matters, affecting our lives to-day, were their mental 
and moral gifts and their solicitude, much or little, for their children's wel- 
fare. Herein is food for reflection. In a short space of time we, too, shall 
have passed away, and generations to come will weigh our actions and 
motives even as we now study those of our forefathers. 



BRONSDON FAMILY. 79 



(187) Mercy Broxsdon^, (Bex.tamin^, Robt.^). 

m. first, John Frizzell, Jr., ) 

second, Joseph Wisp:, ^ all of Boston, 

third, HoK. Wm. Stoddard, ) 

Mercy Bronsdon' was the first-born child of (9) Benjamin and Mary 
(Bant) Bronsdon of Boston. She Avas b. Sept. 15, 1708, and was named in 
honor of her grandmother Bant. 

She m. first, John " Frizzell," Jr., "by Mr. Joshua Gee, Sept. 4, 
1729 " ; second, " Joseph Wise and Mrs. Mercy Frizzell, Feb. 3, 1737, by 
Rev. Samuel Mather " ; third, " William Stoddard, Esq'', and Mrs. Mercy 
Wise, by Rev. William Welstead, Jan. 18, 1745." 

John Frizzell was the son of John and Jane Frizzell, who lived on Fleet 
Street, then Frizzell's Lane. They were persons of wealth and consequence. 
On the death of the elder Frizzell, his widow went to England (Weybridge^ 
County Surrey) to reside. John and Mercy lived at the homestead, corner 
of Fleet Street and Clark Square. After two happy years of married life,, 
Mercy was left a widow at the age of 23. 

Six years later she became the wife of Joseph Wise, son of the Rev. 
Joseph Wise. We do not know much of Mr. Wise ; there are no papers 
relating to the settlement of his estate. He was a merchant. He died in a 
few years, and if he made no will, Mercy may have had to part with a large 
portion of her property, as her husband's relations could claim it under 
those circumstances. 

Her third husband, William Stoddard, Esq., was a Justice of the Peace. 
He had children by a former wife ; John, Mary (m. William Bowes and has 
descendants in England and America), and perhaps others. No record of 
children of Mercy is found. Mr. Stoddard had charge of Mr. Benjamin 
Bronsdon's- estate. He died Sept. 7, 1775, aged 82 years, and Mercy did 
not marry again. She continued to reside in the Frizzell house. She was 
blessed with a competency, and her sister, and probably a niece, lived with 
her in comfort. She remembered about all of her Bronsdon relatives in her 
will, thereby enumerating all of the fourth generation. The will of her 
first husband, John Frizzell, is interesting to us, as showing the good will 
he bore his wife's relatives ; it also indicates his public spirit and love for 
learning. (For John Frizzell's Will, see No. 6146, Suffolk Probate Reg.) 

By it he bequeathed his entire estate " in possession and reversion to his 
Beloved Wife Marcy Frizzell," with the exception of £250 to Harvard Col- 
lege ; £100 to the Poor people of Boston ; £25 to Rev. William Welstead ; 
£40 to the Poor of the church ; £250 to his Aunt Dorothy Saltonstall ; a 
suit of mourning to their honored grandfather, Gilbert Bant ; £20 p'' anuum 



80 PART 1. 

to his honored mother, Jane Frizzell ; suits of mourning to wife's father, 
and \\'illiam Bant. The date of the will is Aug. 20, 1731. Witnesses, 
Thomas Paick, James King and Samuel Tyley. Executors, Benjamin Brons- 
don and William Bant. 

In 1738, :Mercy having married Mr. Wise, brought suit against certain 
of the Frizzell family for the recovery of property belonging to her former 
husband, in which she was successful, being awarded £15,000, which, with 
wliat she already possessed, placed her among the wealthiest women of 
iMiston. She never left the Frizzell mansion, next the Old North Meeting 
House, until she was the widow of AVilliam Stoddard, in 1782, when she 
sold to Caleb Loring, distiller, and removed to a smaller house on the Friz- 
zell estate. Her death is recorded in the Columbian Centinel, and took place 
on a Sunday morning in November, 1786, at the age of 78 years. Her will 
is in Book 86, leaf 4, Suffolk Probate Ileg. In it she names the children of 
her brother, Capt. Bant Bronsdon, also her sister Elizabeth, and a Susan 
Damerill, whose identity has not been determined. It reads as follows: 

In the Name of God Amen. I Mercy Stoddard of Boston in the 
County of Suffolk and State of Massachusetts Bay in New England, Avidow, 
considering the uncertainty of human life and being though very weak and 
iiiHriu of body, of sound Disposing Mind & Memor}' Do Make and Publish 
this my last Will and testament in manner and forme following : viz' 

I commend my soul to the mercy of God my Saviour whenever it shall 
be separated from my body which I resign to the Tomb there to be decently 
interred at the discretion of my executrix hereinafter named. In hopes that 
this dying body shall in due time be raised a glorious and immortal body by 
the power of that Almighty God who first made it. 

And for such worldly estate which a kind Providence hath been pleased 
to bestow upon me after my just debts and funeral expenses are paid which 
I trust my faithful executrix will see done as soon as may be convenient 
after I am laid in the grave. I thus dispose thereof, viz' ; 

To John Box Bronsdon Fifteen pounds lawful money. 

To Benjamin Bronsdon Fifteen pounds lawful money. 

To P.ant Bronsdon Fifteen pounds laAvful money. 

To William Bronsdon Fifteen pounds lawful money. 

To Sarah Curtis, wife of Samuel Curtis Fifteen pounds lawful money. 

To Elizabeth Archer wife of Moses Archer Fifteen pounds lawful money. 

To Rel^ecca ]>ronsdon Fifteen pounds lawful money. 

To Susanna Damerill Fifteen pounds lawful money, and to their heirs 
forever. All of which sums are to be paid out of a Bond dated Oct. 19, 
1782, owing to me from Caleb Loring, distiller, in Boston to whom I sold 
my Mansion House payable in seven years from that date which will be in 
the year of our Lord 1789. The inte^rest of said Bond to the time of pay- 
ment I Give and Devise together with all my Household furniture goods 
and chattels and whatever remainder of estate I may be possessed of or in any 
way interested in at the time of my decease whether said estate is real per- 
sonal or mixed I say I hereby freely give and devise the whole and every 



BRONSDON FAMILY. 81 



part of it wherever it may be found to my Beloved Sister Elizabeth 
Bronsdon of Boston (except to the amount before devised of 120 pounds) 
. . . . and appoint the aforesaid Elizabeth Bronsdon to be my Executrix 
this IS*"^ Day of September, 178G. 

Signed and Acknowledged b}- 

Mkrcy Stoddard 

Witnessed by Samuel White, John Stoddard and Isaac Rand. 
The appraisers of the estate were Isaac Greenwood John Stoddard and 
John Stoddard, Jr. 



32 PART I. 



(192) Benjamin Bronsdon^, Jr. (Benj.^, Robt.^). 

He was the sixth chikl and oldest surviving son of (9) Benjamin and 
Mary (Bant) Bronsdon, and was b. in Boston, Feb. 28, 1715. He was a 
"mariner," and finally resided permanently in England. He is thought to 
have been twice married, and to have had two children by the first wife and 
two by the second wife, but both family and public records are too deficient 
to confirm these suppositions with absolute certainty. 

His first wife was named Rand, and her ancestry is definitely known, 
but there is no record of a Rand-Bronsdon marriage in the new Rand 
Genealogy. 

The great-granddaughter of Benjamin Bronsdon^ Jr., Mrs. Sarah 
Holmes, is living in Lexington, at the age of 83 years. Her grandmother, 
Martha (Bronsdon) Eddy, did not die until 1830, and lived in the Getting 
family. jMrs! Holmes' parents were William and Sarah (Eddy) Getting ; 
therefore, Mrs. Holmes was in a position to know something of her grand- 
mother, whom, as she has informed us, was brought up by the Rand family, 
her maternal relatives; and she also told us where certain other descendants 
of the same family of Rands could be consulted. Accordingly, we obtained 
a statement from Mr. C. W. Jenks of Bedford, Mass., grandson of Jeremiah 
and Mary (Rand) Fitch, (Mary being the daughter of Robert Rand, b. Nov. 
8, 1719; d. Feb., 1794; and Robert, in his turn, was son of Robert Rand, 
b. about 1686; m. Jan. 6, 1709, Susanna Cheever; d. Feb. 11, 1753. She 
d. Nov. 18, 1748. There were five Robert Rands in succession from the 
emigrant Robert, who settled in Lynn, and d. 1639-40. These were the 
maternal ancestors of IMartha Bronsdon, the daughter of Benjamin Brons- 
don's* first wife). 

Mr. Caleb Eddy, sou of Martha, left records concerning Robert Brons- 
don and children, which he could have obtained only from his mother. (See 
contribution to the Historical-Genealogical Register, vol. 35, p. 361, signed 
by Robert H. Eddy.) 

In 1755-6, a certain important large estate was conveyed by the Brons- 
dons, the Bant estate on Middle (Hanover) Street ; the purchaser, Hon. 
Ezekiel Golththwait, required quit-claim deeds from all the direct Bronsdon 
heirs. Benjamin Bronsdon^, Jr., was one of the parties, and his only sur- 
viving brother. Bant Bronsdon^, was another. The remaining heirs were 
daughters of Benjamin*, Sr. The children of the brothers of course did not 
sign these deeds. The supposition that Martha was daughter of Bant 
Bronsdon' is out of the question, since all Bant Bronsdon's® children are 
known and have always been known as an intimate part of family informa- 



BRONSDON FAMILY. 83 



tion ; besides, Martha would not have made certain errors in giving the 
records of l>ant's children had she been Bant's daughter. Had she been 
Robert's child, it would have been necessary for her to sign a release of the 
estate, which, however, was expressly divided in " sixths," and every heir to 
every sixth portion named ; and the same is true supposing her to have been 
a daughter of Benjamin^, Sr. and Mary (Bant) Bronsdon ; she would in that 
case have given a separate deed ; but Mary (Bant) Bronsdon was over 50 
years old when Martha was born, and Benjamin Bronsdon^, Sr., did not 
marry his second wife Elizabeth until 1752, while Martha was born in 1742. 
Consequently IMartha Bronsdon^ could have belonged in no other family than 
that of Benjamin Bronsdon*^, Jr. 

We have been particular in giving the steps by which we have arrived 
at this conclusion, as the absence of records and the entire loss of knowledge 
on the part of her descendants of her father's Christian name render it ad- 
visable that the proofs of her parentage should be duly presented. We have 
in several instances fixed upon probable facts by similar courses of reasoning, 
and to our great satisfaction found, later, positive records to confirm our 
own views. 

The second wife of Benjamin Bronsdon^ was Elizabeth Eoxcroft, a 
member of one of the most illustrious families in the colony. She was the 
daughter of Judge Francis Foxcroft of Cambridge. (See History of Cam- 
bridge.) The marriage took place Jan. 4, 1750 (intentions Dec. 13, 1749), 
and is recorded, but the printer made it " Brandon." However, we have a 
family record of the marriage, and further proof exists in the original will 
of Francis Foxcroft, Esq., in Middlesex Probate Registry (we have person- 
ally examined this will), wherein he bequeaths certain property in 17G5 to 
the two little daughters of his deceased daughter, Elizabeth Bronsdon. The 
writing, though small, is beautifully distinct. We have obtained no further 
trace of these children, and they may have accompanied their father to 
England if they survived. There is on record a will of Henry Bronsdon, 
"mariner," probated in Boston, 1784, which leaves all to wife Sarah; no 
mention of children. This widow Bronsdon is supposed to be that Sarah 
who later married William Vibberd. Henry's parentage is unknown, but 
probabilities are that he was a son of Benjamin Bronsdon^, Sr., and of his sec- 
ond wife. The Boston records of the middle of the 18th century are very 
deficient. The destruction of the records in the Town House in 1747, and 
the confusion consequent upon the Revolutionary War, had the effect of 
sweeping away a mass of valuable information, the lack of which is con- 
stantly felt. 

Benjamin Bronsdon^, Jr., inherited considerable property from his 
uncle, William Bant, also from his grandfather Bant. (See their wills in 
Appendix I.) 



84 



PAKT I. 



Previous to his father's death, his name occasionally appears m deeds 
of conveyance, and in 1741 he joined the oldest Lodge of Free Masons m 
America, the records of which have been printed. His name is recorded on 
the book's of the Lodge as Benjamin -'Brimsdon." 

Martlia, the daughter of his first wife, was taken m charge by her 
mother's people, and Benjamin permitted her to remain with them after hiS 
marriage to Miss Foxcroft, and thus she was not carried to England. As it 
may be asked how we know that Benjamin Bronsdon^ Jr., removed to 
England, we here state that it was a positive affirmation of Mrs. Hannah 
Allen that her great uncle, Benjamin, stayed in England (or as she phrased 
it "Father's old Uncle Ben"). Mrs. Allen was the daughter of John Box 
Bronsdon. Phinehas Bronsdon^ (John BoxS Bant^ Benj.^. Robt.^) also made 
the same assertion to his daughter, who repeated it to the writer. In his 
youth, John Box Bronsdon^ visited this uncle Benjamin in England (or his 
family, as we are not clear in regard to the length of time he survived). 

The Hands and Bronsdons were connected by marriage and friendship 
in other directions. Hannah Hurry was a Hett, and married for her second 
husband a Rand of Charlestown. The Hetts were near relatives of Robert 
Bronsdon's second wife, if indeed she was not a Hett herself. Isaac Rand 
witnessed Miss Betty Bronsdon's will. Sally Rand appeared in the Brons- 
don families in times of illness, etc., as we find on record. It is interesting, 
too, to note that Martha Eddy, sister-in-law to Martha (Bronsdon) Eddy, m. 
1765, Matthew Grice, and that one of the wives of Robert Rand, 5th, was 
also a Martha Grice. 



(204) Martha Bkonsdon* (Benj., Jk.^ Benj., SR.^ Robert^). 

[For proofs of birth and parentage, see foregoing pages.] 

Martha Bronsdon* was b. in Boston, Nov. 11, 1742 ; m. Nov. 10, 
1763, Capt. Benjamin Eddy, who was b. in Boston, Feb. 19, 1743, and was 
son of Caleb and Martha (Marks) Eddy. He d. at West Cambridge (now 
Arlington), Aug. 11, 1817 ; his wife d. at the residence of her son-in-law, 
William Cotting, West Cambridge, Dec. 28, 1830, and both Mr. and Mrs. 
Eddy are interred in the Cotting tomb at that place. The grand-daughter 
of Mr. and Mrs. Eddy sent us the Eddy Genealogy, by Robert Henry Eddy, 
who died about twelve years ago in Boston, in order that we might use 
extracts from its pages. The late discovery of this branch of Bronsdon 
descendants has prevented ns from bringing all the famihes up to date, as 
we should like to have done. AVe shall be glad to receive further informa- 
tion regarding the descendants of those mentioned herein. 



BRONSDON FAMILY. 85 



Ch ihlren of Martha (Bronsdon) and Benjamin Eddy : 

(205) i. Martha^ Edihj, b. in Boston, July 24, 1764 ; m. Z. Jennings. 

See below. 

(206) ii. Man/ Eddy, b. July 22, 1766 ; m. Dr. E. Morse. See below. 

(207) iii. Hannah^ Eddy, b. July 11, 1768; m. L. Bemis. See below. 

(208) iv. Sarah^ Eddy, b. Aug. 11, 1770 ; d. Sept. 11, 1778. 

(209) V. Charlotte^ Eddy, b. Mcar. 16, 1773 ; d. Mar. 21, 1773. 

(210) vi. Bobert Band^ Eddy, b. Mar. 18, 1774 ; d. Sept. 13, 1778. 

(211) vii. Eunice^ Eddy, b. Oct. 11, 1776 ; d. July 17, 1796. 

(212) viii. Sarah' Eddy, b. May 17, 1779; d. Nov. 29, 1848; m. W. Cot- 

ting. See below. 

(213) ix. Bobert BajuP Eddy, b. Aug. 25, 1781 ; d. June 20, 1796. 

(214) X. Caleb'' Eddy, b. May 27, 1784 ; d. Feb. 22, 1859 ; m. Caroline 

Gay. See below. 

Biography. 

(204) Mrs. Martha (Bronsdon) Eddy was a treasure to her husband, 
himself a good husband and an affectionate father, and possessed of the 
qualities of a true Christian. She was a woman of great energy and perse- 
verance, and beloved by all who knew her. During the siege of Boston, 
she was driven out by the British and, with a few dollars, sought shelter 
with her five children in Needham. 

There she remained until joined by her husband, who, after having his 
ship captured by the English, was thrown into prison at Halifax, IST.S., and, 
with several others, escaped and traveled on foot by land to Needham. At 
19 years of age, he had commenced a sea-faring life, and had shortly arisen to 
the command of a vessel in the West India trade. In 1776, the Eddy family 
removed to Shrewsbury, where Mr. Eddy kept a store, and also acquired 
considerable land. After conclusion of the war, he became interested in 
and commanded packets in the London trade. In 1804, he purchased an 
estate in Waltham, Mass., Avhieh, a short time before his death, he sold, 
and removed to West Cambridge, where his married daughter, Mrs. Sarah 
Cotting, lived. Martha, his widow, continued to reside with the Cotting 
family until her death in 1830. (See Eddy Gen.) 



(205) Martha^ Eddy (Martha*, Benj.^, Benj.^, Robt. Bronsdon^). 

Martha^ Eddy was b. July 24, 1764; d. at Rochester, N.Y., Dec. 7, 
1846; m. Nov. 20, 1799, Dr. Zachariah Jennings; b. in Maine, res. at 
Cherry Valley, N.Y., and at Rochester, N.Y. He was ^n eminent surgeon. 
He served as surgeon on board the U. S. S. Constitution, so famous in 
historv. 



gg PART I. 



Children : 

(215) i. Harriet^ Jennings, b. 1801; d. single, in Salem, at an advanced 

age. 

(216) ii Eunice Ecld if Jennings, b. Mar. 17, 1803, in Fitzwilliam, X. H. ; 

m in West Cambridge, Mass., Apr. 11, 1823, John C. Stevens, 
wiio Avas b. in Boston, Dec. 20, 1798. She d. Dec. 12, 1881, 
and Mr. Stevens d. Apr. 12, 1884. Mrs. Stevens was possessed 
of courage and fortitude to a remarkable degree, and was a 
most estimable woman. When quite young, she would wait 
upon her father while he performed surgical operations. 

Children : 

(217) i. Benj. Eddy'' Stevens, b. Jan. 4, 1824 ; d. Apr. 18, 

1879, in New York; m. Nov. 1, 18pO, Caro- 
lin'e' Campbell, b. Aug. 7, 1832, who now res. 
at Evanston, 111. 

Children : 

(218) i. Lucy Della^ Stevens, b. July 2, 1831 ; d. 

Aug. 20, 1852. 

(219) ii. Harriet E} Stevens, b. Mar. 27, 1853; m. Lau- 

rence Pomroy, and res. in Evanston, 111. 

(220) iii. Mary Erancis^ Stevens, res. in Evanston, 111. 

(221) iv. John CaldweW Stevens, b. Sept. 30, 1856; d. 

Mar. 16, 1860. 

(222) V. Sarah C} Stevens, b. Feb. 17, 1860 ; d. Mar. 8, 

1876. 

(223) ii. Eunice C' Stevens, h. in Boston, Sept. 10, 1826 ; 

m. May 9, 1850, Levant L. Mason of Buffalo, 
N.Y. Now res. at Jamestown, N.Y. 

Children : 

(224) i. Joh7i C. Stevens^ Mason, b. in Jamestown, N.Y., 

Oct. 5, 1851 ; m. Caroline Mason. 

(225) ii. Eunice C.^ Mason, b. July 30, 1855 ; m. Oct. 23, 

1878, Henry S. Penfield of Chicago, 111. They 
have four children : Augusta E., Theodora 
C, Eunice M., and Levant Mason Penfield, 
all living at Jamestown, N.Y. 

(226) iii. Lucy H.^ Mason, m. Frederick P. Hall, and has 

four sons : Henry M., Levant M., Frederic 
and Charles E. Hall. 

(227) iii. Lucy 0? Stevens, b. in Rochester, N.Y., Jan. 17, 

1827 ; m. May 11, 1852, to James Dow of 
Jamestown, N.Y. 

, Children, four in number : 

Eunice E., Levant M., James and James A. 
Dow ; they all d. young. Mrs. Dow res. in 
Rochester, K.Y. 



BRONSDON FAMILY. 87 



(228) iv. Jrarrh't E? Stevens, d. young. 

(229) V. Sarah Caroline^ Stevens, b. in Eochester, N.Y., 

Aug. 28, 1842; m. Oct. 23, 1872, Joseph 
Twyman of Chicago, 111. 

Children : 

(230) i. Luc]/ Bosetta^ Twyman, b. Jan. 21, 1874. 

( ii. Levant Mason^ Ttvyman, b. June 27, 1877 : d. 

r23n J Aug., 1877. 

^^ ^ ] iii. Vernon Montefiore^ Twyman, b. June 27, 1877; 
[ d. Jan., 1878. 

(232) iv. Josephine Nathalie^ Twyman, b. Apr. 19, 1880 ; 
m. Jan. 30, 1901, Lewis Chapin Babcock of 
Montana. 

Note. Thanks to Mrs. Twyman for family records, also corrections of Eddy 
records. 



(306) Mary^ Eddy (Martha*, Benj.^ Benj.", Robt. Bronsdon^). 

She was b. July 22, 1766 ; d. Apr. 25, 1800; m. Sept. 24, 1786, Dr. 
Eliakim Morse (b. Feb. 14, 1759; d. Jan. 7, 1858). Mrs. Morse had the 
reputation of great personal beauty. She survived to the great age of 
99 yrs. Her descendants inherited the portraits of Martha (Bronsdon) 
Eddy and her husband. 

Children — (two d. young) : 

(233) i. John^ Morse, b. Feb. 12, 1789; d. May 7, 1817; m. Frances H. 
Torrey, and had : 

(234) i. John Torrey'' Morse, b. Mar. 26, 1813 ; m. Lucy 

Cabot Jackson, and had : 

(235) i. John T} Morse, Jr., m. Fannie Hovey, and had 

two sons : 

i. Cahot^ Morse. 
ii. Torrey^ Morse. 

(234«) ii. Benjamin Eddip Morse, b. Feb. 22, 1814. 
(235a) iii. Sam.nel Torrey'' Morse, b. May 9, 1816 ; m. Har- 
riet Jackson Lee, and had : 

i. Francis R.^ Morse. 
ii. Henry L.^ Morse. 
iii. Mary L.^ Morse. 

(236) iv. Charles J.'' Morse. 

(237) V. E. Rollins'' Morse, m. Mary Steedman. 



88 PAKT I. 

(207) Hannah* Eddy (Martha^ Bknj.^ Benj.^, Robert Bronsdon^). 

Third child of (194) Martha" and Benjamin Eddy, was b. July 11, 1768, 
in Boston.; d. Mar. 31, 1837, at Chicopee, Mass. ; m. Luke Bemis of Water- 
town ; b. Oct. 11, 1759 : d. in Springfield, Feb. 16, 1845. 

Children : 

(238) i. Robert Eddif Bemis, b. June 4, 1798, at Watertown ; d. at Chic- 
opee, Mar. 15, 1873 ; m. Sept. 18, 1827, Martha Wheatland of 
Salem, and had : 

(239) i. Robert Wheatland'' Bemis, b. July 30, 1828; 

m. Nov. 26, 1852, Rachael Z. Smith, and lived 
at Chicopee. Had six children. (See Eddy 
Gen.) 

(240) ii. Caroline Eddif Bemis, b. at Salem, June 12, 

1830. 

(241) iii. Marij Wheatland'' Bemis, b. Aug. 6, 1838; m. 

Jan. 30, 1879, Henry Martin Whitney, and 
res. at No. Andover. 

(242) iv. Sarah Davis'' Bern is, h. Apr. 3, 1841 ; m. Jerome 

H. Fisk. 

(243) V. Martha Goodhue' Bemis, b. June 10, 1844 : m. 

Jas. G. Smith of Chicopee, and had : 

i. Robrrt Bnnis^ Smith, b. Nov. 29, 1865. 
ii. James iJ/.» S»iith, b. Sept. 12, 1867. 

(244) ii. Mart/ Eddif Bemis, b. July 4, 1801; m. Apr. 9, 1827, Benjamin 

Wheatland of Salem, who d. Dec. 28, 1854, and she d. June 
23, 1864. 

Children : 

i. Martha G? Wheatland, b. at Newmarket, N. H., 
Mar. 12, 1828. 

ii. Elizabeth B? Wheatland, d. young. 

(245) iii. Luke'' Bemis, Jr., b. Apr. 7, 1806; m. Apr. 7, 1831, first, Eliza- 

beth Lincoln; second wife, Maria Stubbs ; third wife, Lucy 
A. Thayer. Has descendants : 

(246) i. Clara Frances'' Bemis, b. June 23, 1852 ; m. 
Jan. 24, 1878, Barton D. Evans, and had at 
Westchester, Pa. : 

i. Elizabeth Bemis^ Evans, b. Feb. 7, 1879. 
ii. Arthur Webster'' Bemis, b. Nov. 18, 1862. 



BRONSDON FAMILY. 89 



(313) Sarah^ Eddy (Martha*, Benj.^, Benj.'^, Robert Brojtsdon^). 

She was the eiglith child of (194) Martha and Benjamin Eddy, tlie 
four children preceding her having d. yonng. She was b. May 17, 1779 ; 
m. Jan. 21, 1810, William Cotting, Esq., who was b. July 26, 1775, and d. 
Oct. 23, 1861. He was bur. from the Unitarian Church at Arlington. Mrs. 
Cotting d. Nov. 29, 1848. 

Children — (the first d. young) : 

(247) i. Benjamin Edchf Cotting, b. Nov. 2, 1812; m. Oct. 5, 1843, Cath- 

erine Greene Sayer. He d. at Roxbury, May 22, 1897, aged 
83 yrs. 6 raos. 2 d. ; bur. at Forest Hill. Dr. Cotting was an 
eminent physician, president of the Mass. Med. Soc, curator 
of the Lowell Inst., etc. Mrs. Cotting d. while on a journey to 
California. They left no children. ' 

(248) ii. Martha Eddif Cotting, b. Apr. 2, 1814 ; m. May 24, 1838, Miles 

Teel Gardner. She d. at Rochester, N.Y., INlar. 17, 1854. 

Children : 

(249) i. William Allies' Gardner, b. Sept. 1, 1839; d. 

May, 1850. 

(250) ii. Catherine Cutting' Gardner, b. Mar. 26, 1850 ; d. 

Jan. 6, 1869. 

(251) iii. Marg Caroline^ Cotting, b. July 22, 1816; d. Nov. 24, 1820. 

(252) iv. Sarah Maria Wellington^ Cotting, b. i\Iar. 3, 1818 ; m. Aug. 28, 

1849, Dr. Howland Holmes of Lexington (b. Jan. 16,1815; d. 
Nov. 16, 1893, and son of Howland and Huldah (Copeland) 
Holmes; m. Nov. 9, 1804). Dr. Holmes d. in his carriage when 
returning from visiting his patients. He was for fifty years a 
physician in Lexington, Mass. 

Children : 

(253) i. Maria Eddif Holmes, b. Aug. 14, 1850 ; d. aged 

1 day. 

(254) ii. Carrie Marie'' Holmes, b. Apr. 3, 1852; d. 

Jan. 21, 1857. 

(255) iii. Francis Howland'' Holmes, b. Sept. 13, 1853. 

(256) iv. Sarah Eddif Holmes, b. Sept. 15, 1855. 

(257) V. Charlotte Bronte' Holmes, b. Apr. 20,1857; d. 

Feb. 25, 1865. 

(258) V. William Wallace^ Cotting, b. Apr. 21, 1820; m. Dec. 22,1840, 
Elmira Pierce. He d. at Melrose, Jan. 25, 1870 ; she d. at 
Boston, Sept. 3, 1866, aged 44. 

Children — (three d. in infanc}', six others are here 
given) : 



90 PART I. 

(259) i. George Pierce' Cotting, b. Apr. 17, 1841; d. in 

Civil War. 
(2G0) ii. Frederic Bronsdon' Cotting, b. Dec. 22, 1846 

d. Aug. 22, 1888 ; has three sons living : 

(261) i. W. Henri/ Cotting. 

(262) ii. Walter M.^ Cotting of Winchester, Mass. 

(263) iii. Charles Burton^ Cotting of West Kewton. 

(264) iii. Edirard Levant Cotting, b. Apr. 2, 1849, res. in 

Boston. Has children : 

(265) i. Edtvard^ Cotting. 

(266) ii. James A.^ Cotting. 

(267) iii.. George^ Cotting. 

(268) iv. Elizabeth Harriet'' Cotting, h. Dec. 6, 1855 ; m. 

Orestes M. Pratt of Lowell. 

Children: 

(269) i. Catherine^ Pratt, b. July 16, 1890. 

(270) \\.' Marshall Cotting^ Pratt, b. Oct. 12, 1891. 

. (271) V. Ellen Elmira'' Cotting, b. Mar. 13, 1858; m. 
Henry E. Osborne of Xew Washington, 
N. H., and d. at Grassmere, N. H., Aug. 9, 
1899. 
Children : 

(272) i. Florence Loiiise^ Oshorne, b. May 11, 1882; m. 

Frank Chase of Pennacook, N. H. 

(273) ii. Louise Carr^ Osborne, b. Dec. 18, 1886. 

(274) iii. Harry Ernest^ Cnborne, b. Apr. 26, 1890. 

(275) vi. Fannie Louise' Cotting. b. Jan. 3, 1860; m. 

Arthur R. Pitts of Newton Upper Palls, and 
have dau. : 

(276) i. Elmira Cotting' Pitts, b. Jan. 23, 1885. 

Memoranda. Bertha 0., wife of Walter M.^ Cotting, d. at Melrose, Nov., 1896, 
aged 24 yrs. 



. (214) Caleb^ Eddy (Martha^ Benj.^, Bexj.^, Robt. Bronsdok^). 

He Avas the tenth child of (194) Martha^ and Benjamin Eddy, and was 
b. in Shrewsbury, May 27, 1784 ; d. at Chicopee, Feb. 22, 1859 ; m. Sept 30, 
1810, Caroline, dau. of Timothy Gay. (See Eddy Gen.) She d. May 28, 
1862, and with her husband is bur. at Mount Auburn. 

Caleb Eddy was a merchant in Boston, alderman for two years, and 
agent of the Middlesex Canal. He was much interested in Genealogy, and 
left voluminous data, from which his son, R. H. Eddy, compiled the Eddy 



BRONSDON FAMILY. 91 



Genealog3^ He also left some information in writing concerning his Brons- 
don ancestor, which is published in Vol. 35 of the N. E. Hist, and Gen. 
Register. 

Caleb Eddy, son of a Bronsdon mother, was of a rarely beautiful coun- 
tenance. (See his portrait in the Eddy Gen., p. 204.) On looking at his like- 
ness, we thought it resembled the mental image we had formed of Robert 
Bronsdon. It can be seen at 18 Somerset Street, Boston (Genealogical 
Rooms). 

Caleb and Caroline (Gay) Eddy left two sons : 

(277) i. Robert Henrtf Edd,/, b. Sept. 27, 1812. 

(278) ii. Benjamin^ Eddy, h. Jan. 26, 1829. 

(277) Robert Henry « Eddy, was b. Sept. 27, 1812 ; d. about 1888 ; m. 
Dec. 24, 1851, Annie G. Pickering, who d. in 1900 at her home on Marl- 
borough Street, Boston. She could give nothing more of the Bronsdon 
ancestry. Mr. Eddy was a Civil Engineer, and, later. Solicitor of Patents. 
He was made a "Fellow of the Royal Historical Society of Great Britain." 
In 1884, he published the Eddy Genealogy. 

(278) Benjamin^ Eddy was b. Jan. 26, 1829, now living (1901) at 
Groton, Mass. ; m. Nellie M., dau. of George Weld of Jamaica Plain, Mass. 
(See Eddy Gen.) 



Children : 

(279) i. Charles Benjamin' Eddy. 

(280) ii. Minnie Caroline'' Eddy. 

(281) iii. Kellie Isabella'' Eddy. 



92 PART I. 



(19G) Bant BRONSDO^I^ Sr. (Beicjamin^, Robt.^). 

[Known as Capt. Bant Bronsdon. Through Bant Bronsdon^ only was continued 
the name of Bronsdon in America. See also Part II (B 2.)] 

(196) Bant Bronsdon was b. iu Boston, Oct. 23, 1721. He was the 
tenth child of (9) Benjamin and Mary (Bant) Bronsdon and grandson of 

Capt. Gilbert and Mercy (Whitwell) Bant. He m. , 1750, Elizabeth, 

dan. of John and Lydia (Story) Box of Boston. The family record contain- 
ing dates of l>ant and his wife has been lost. Family tradition says Capt. 
liant lironsdon died away from home about 1765, and Elizabeth died before 
1790. There is no record of real estate in Boston belonging to Bant Brons- 
don^ except his interest in the Bant estate, which he deeded to Ezekiel 
Goldthwait in 1756. 

Children, recorded in books of King's Chapel : 

(282) i. John Box Bronsdon'^, b. May 21, 1751 ; bapt. Sept. 8, 1751 ; m. 

Abigail Baker ; settled in Milton, Mass. See below. 
C283) ii. Sarah Bant Bronsdon'^, b. , 1753 ; m. Capt. Samuel Curtis 

of Boston. See beloAv. 

(284) iii. Rebecca Bronsdon'^, bapt. Aug. 31, 1755 ; m. Capt. Joseph Dennis 

of Boston. See below. 

(285) iv. BcnjaDihi Brovsdoji*, bapt. Oct. 23, 1757; m. first, Sally Knee- 

land; second, Patty Farrar; settled in Milton. See below. 

(286) V. Bant Bronsdon*, bapt. Jan. 30, 17G0; m. first, Mary ; 

second, Deborah Jackson ; res. in Boston. See below. 

(287) vi. WUUam Bronsdon^ b. ,1761; bapt. Mar. 10, 1762 ; m. 

Kuth llich ; rem. to Worcester Co., INIass. See below. 

(288) vii. Elizaheth Bro7isdon\ b. ; bapt. Sept. 5, 1764; m. Moses 

Archer of Boston. 

Note. Descendants of these now living remember having seen an old Bronsdon 
" Family Tree" which is now " missing." 

The marriage of Capt. Bant Bronsdon to Elizabeth Box is proved by a 
reference to the Will of her father, John Box, who died 1774. 

. The portrait of Capt. lU-onsdon belonged to his oldest son, John Box 
Bronsdon, whose daughter, Mrs. Hannah Allen, left it to her descendants. 
The old chair belonged iu the family of a grandson of John Box Bronsdon, 
who disposed of it a few years ago, but not until a sketch had been made 
by one interested in heirlooms. Mr. Phineas Bronsdon of Milton clearly 
stated to his daughter (now living) that the chair belonged to his grand- 
father I*>ronsdon, who brought it from England. The chair was of birch 
wood and beautifully hand carved and very quaint. The cane work in the 
seat and back was exceedingly fine and close. 

I'.oth Bant Bronsdon^ and his brother Benjamin^ followed the sea. 




(I961CAPT. BANT BRONSDON- 
b. Oct. 23. i 721; m ELIZABETH BOX. 



BRONSDON FAMILY. 93 



As they were mariners, they took but a small part in the affairs of the towns 
they cl5,imed as home, yet they contributed in no small degree to the pros- 
perity of such by the part they had in building up and maintaining com- 
mercial relations with other countries. 

Capt. Bronsdon's wife, Elizabeth Box, was of good family and had been 
reared with care. Her parents lived first on Cambridge Street, where the 
present Eevere House now stands, and there ?]]izabeth was born, probably, 
in the house which had been her grandfather Elisha Story's, and which 
then belonged to her father in right of Lydia (Story) his wife, co-heir with 
William Story, the noted Crown oiBcer. Later the Box family removed to a 
new mansion-house on Beacon Hill and were living there when Bant and 
Elizabeth were married. They occupied a house which stood on the spot 
afterward covered by the reservoir and later by the State House annex. 
This fact rests upon the assertion of more than one of the children of John 
Box Bronsdon, who were cognizant of their father's birthplace, <' the corner 
of Hancock and Derne Streets." 

William Bant, the uncle of Capt. Bant Bronsdon, died in 1754, and 
Ezekiel Goldthwait purchased the Bant residence, corner of Blackstone and 
Cross Streets. As the heirs of Mrs. Mary (Bant) Bronsdon owned each a 
sixth of this estate, we find their deeds of conveyance to Mr. Goldthwait 
on record. 

The brothers, Bant and Benjamin, conveyed their shares, but at differ- 
ent times, when they arrived in port from foreign parts. 

Bant's conveyance reads as follows: and is dated Jan. 23, 1756. 

"Bant Bronsdon, mariner, one of the children of Benjamin Bronsdon 
and Mary lately deceased (Oct. 6, 1751) for £50 sold to Ezekiel Goldthwait, 
gentleman, his sixth part in land and houses now occupied by Rev. Ellis 
Gray on Middle Street 101 feet front, to the brick house of Capt. IS'icholas 
Cossens which he bought of William Bant, 69 feet easterly, on Edward 
Dumaresq 23 feet northerly, on land of Ezekiel Needham and others 90 feet 
easterly, on Philip Viscount and others 60 feet, and southerly on John 
Cookson and others 82 feet." 

Wife Elizabeth releases her right of dower in the same. (Book 88, leaf 
20, Suffolk Deeds.) The other five-sixths were conveyed by Mrs. Mercy 
Stoddard and her husband (William Stoddard), Mary, Elizabeth and Rebecca 
Bronsdon, single women, and Benjamin Bronsdon and wife Elizabeth (Fox- 
croft). These comprised the entire family of the fourth generation children 
of Benjamin Bronsdon^ who with his second wife, Elizabeth, signed off 
whatever right they might have been supposed to derive through Mary 
(Bant) the first wife of Benjamin. It is a singular coincidence that the 
father and both his sons should have wives named Elizabeth. This gave 
rise to the idea that Benjamin Bronsdon^ m. Elizabeth Foxcroft, on the part 
of some of the descendants ; but Benjamin, Jr., and Elizabeth Foxcroft's 



94 PART I. 

marriage is recorded as taking place in 1750, and Benjamin, Sr., was not a 
widower until October, 1751. • 

(19G) Capt. Bant Bronsdon" had, at the time he conveyed his share of 
the Bant estate, three children. His brother Benjamin^ had children 
also. Afterward four more children were born to Capt. Bant and Elizabeth. 
Bronsdon, and the Bronsdon race, which had constantly tended to diminish 
until the sons had narrowed to one or two in each generation, now received a 
fresh impetus in the four sons of l^ant Bronsdon^ 

Of the daughters, we will state what is known of Rebecca and Elizabetb 
in this place. 

(284) Rebecca Bronsdon^ (Bant^ Benj.^, Robt.^), bapt. at King's Chapel 
iu 1755 ; m. Sept. 20, 1787, Capt. Jos. Dennis of Boston, and lived in Green 
Lane or Salem Street until invited to reside with Miss Elizabeth Bronsdon^ 
on Clark Street. Miss Bronsdon, her aunt, made Rebecca her heir. Capt. 
Dennis d. in Milton, July 20, 1830, aged 78. Mrs. Dennis d. in Boston, 
Oct. 14, 1826, of a fever, aged 71. One daughter, Sarah B. Dennis, d. about 
1840, and was buried with her parents in the Bronsdon tomb at Copp's Hill. 
She never married. ]Srr. John G. Loring settled her estate. 

(288) Elizabeth Bronsdon^ b. in 1763; bapt. at King's Chapel, 1764, 
was also a daughter of (196) Capt. Bant Bronsdon and Elizabeth (Box). She 
m. Sept. 1, 1781, :Moses Archer, a boot and shoe maker, who lived on Adams 
Street in 1787. They had children, one of whom married a Nixon, and 
removed to New York City, but as the birth records of Boston are missing 
from 1800 until 1849, we cannot give the names of the Archer descendants. 
We have no date of death, still "Aunt" Archer is remembered by some of 
the oldest members of our family. The Archers attended the Second Bap- 
tist Church of l^oston. 



(202) Elizabeth Bronsdon^ (Benj.*^, Robt.^). 

(202) Elizabeth Bkonsdoi^s, b. Feb., 1729 ; d. Feb. 10, 1810 ; was the 
dau. of (9) Benjamin^ and Mary (Bant) Bronsdon, and was one of seventeen 
children, all of whom she survived, dying at the age of 81 years. 

Her funeral is announced in the Boston Patriot of Feb. 12, 1810 (a 
copy of which is preserved by Mr. C. W. Parker). 

"Died. Miss Elizabeth Bronsdon aged 81. Her Funeral will proceed 
from her late dwelling house in Clark Street to morrow at 4-oclock to which 
her friends and relatives are respectfully invited without further notice." 

Mr. I. J. Greenwood writes: "The Intimacy between the Greenwoods 
and the lironsdons was kept up until the death of Miss Betty Bronsdon 
in 1810." 




CARVED BEECH-WOOD CHAIR 
THAT BELONGED TO CAPT, BANT BRONSDON' 



BRONSDON FAMILY. 95 



Dec. 4, 1794. Daniel Austin sold to Elizabeth Bronsdon, single woman, 
for 480 pounds, a house in Clark Street, being <'half a double house contain- 
ing front room, entry, stairway, kitchen, cellar-kitchen, 2 chambers on the 
second floor and two on the third floor." At the same time John Brown 
bought the other half of the house, having sold his share of a property on 
Whitebread Alley (the old Widow Bronsdon house in fact) a few months 
before. 



We have now come to a time when family recollection and reminiscence 
begins to assume a more definite form. Before this Genealogy was ever 
dreamed of, the writer had heard of '' Father's old aunt in Clark Street," of 
her house full of relics, of her family portraits, her pride of birth and her 
hospitality. We can feel that Aunt Betty was a real personage, whom it 
was a joy to visit. Mrs. Hannah^ (Bronsdon) Allen, who died in Dorchester, 
May 8, 1881, at the age of 88 years, was "quite a slip of a girl " when her 
great-aunt Betty died, and Mr. Phineas Bronsdon^ was 20 years old. These 
two sometimes spoke of her, and all the Bronsdons continued to visit at her 
house after it came into possession of their sister, Mrs. Rebecca* Dennis, 
until her death in 1826. 

We have wandered through Clark Street, scrutinizing the time-worn 
houses as we went, in a vain endeavor to identify the Betty Bronsdon house. 
An old tax list describes it as having "3 stories and 10 windows on the 
front." " Hannah Crocker " lived next door. Possibly it set back from the 
street, and the land in front has been built upon. The house was sold Aug. 
9, 1831, to Isaac Rhoades (see Book 354, leaf 67, Suffolk Deeds) by Charles 
Farrar Bronsdon^ as guardian of Sarah Dennis^ 

Miss Elizabeth Bronsdon's will is a model of brevity and directness. 

It is to be found in Suffolk Probate Registry, Book 202, leaf 34, and is as 

follows : 

Will of Elizabeth Bronsdon^ 

" I, Elizabeth Bronsdon, of sound mind but weak body, considering the 
uncertainty of life do make my will. 

I commit my soul to God who gave it. I wish to be buried in a frugal 
manner and my just debts paid. 

To Kinswoman Rebeckah Dennis and her husband, Joseph Dennis, 
mariner, for their kind and constantly affectionate care and attention to me 
while they have resided with me during a long and distressing sickness, 
namely, my mansion-house situated in Clark Street, North End with all the 
land and buildings annexed and well and pump privilege which was pur- 
chased of William Prout of Newburyport during his life time, they keeping 
said house in good repair to pass to their daughter Sarah at their death, to 
her and hers forever. 

(Signed) Elizabeth Bronsdon. 

Witnessed by Isaac Rand, Henry Fowle and Thomas Ares." 
The personal property was not included in this bequest. 



96 PART I. 

Samuel Blagge, Esq., George Miles, merchants, and Joseph Dennis, 
mariner, gave bonds to the amount of $10,000, and Judge Davis appointed 
Mr. Blagge, administrator, Mar. 26, 1810. 

The house on Clark Street Avas appraised at $2,958.45. Tomb in the 
North Burying Ground, $100. Silver plate valued at about $60 included 
silver bowl, silver cup, silver sugar bowl and cream pot, silver porringer, 
tablespoons, dessertspoons and teaspoons, silver snuff box, etc., besides 
jewelry and wearing apparel, china and glassware and various articles 
of furniture. Nothing is said of family portraits, of which she is known to 
have possessed a iiunil)er. That of her brother, Bant Bronsdon^, was in the 
possession of his son, John Box Bronsdon^, and is reproduced for this work. 
iMrs. Stoddard had the portrait of their grandmother, Mrs. Mercy Bant, and 
willed it to her sister, Elizabeth. Capt. Gilbert Bant's portrait became the 
proi)erty of his grandson, William Bant, who died without children, and, 
his widow marrying again, all trace of the portrait was lost. Neither can 
Mercy Bant's portrait be found. It is supposed that the Curtis family had 
it and passed it on to the Brooks family. (See history of Mrs. Sarah Bant 
Bronsdon, m. Curtis.) These portraits may now, if not destroyed, be mas- 
querading under false names among strangers. 

The Oldest Bronsdon Tomb, No. 119, Copp's Hill. 

In Suffolk Deeds, Book 237, leaf 130, we find the estate of Elizabeth 
Bronsdon, grantor to William Abrams, "Tomb in Old North Burying 
Ground " (Copp's Hill). 

This was the original tomb which belonged to Robert Bronsdon, the 
present Bronsdon tomb. No. 1, Old Ground, Copp's Hill Burying Ground, 
having been constructed by Mr. Benjamin Bronsdon^, Robert's son, in 1717. 
This second tomb is very large. Miss Betty had the bodies removed from 
the old into the new tomb. The Abramses were Old North Church people. 

Curtis to Abrams. 
[See No. 283, Sarah Bant Bronsdon.] 

"Know all men by these presents that I, Sarah Curtis, of Boston, co. 
of Suffolk, Massachusetts, widow in consideration of the sum of ninety dol- 
lars to me paid by William Abrams of Boston co. of Suffolk and state of 
Massachusetts, grocer, the receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge do 
hereby grant, sell and convey to said William Abrams a certain Tomb set 
on or near the center of the Old North Burying Ground the same which 
formerly belonged to the estate of Elizabeth Bronsdon deceased (1810). 

To Have and To Hold . . . and I do hereby covenant with the 
said William Abrams that I am lawfully seized in fee of the above granted 



BRONSDON FAMILY. 97 



premises that they are free of all incumbrance that I liave a good right to 
sell and convey the same .... 

In Witness whereof I hereunto set my hand and seal this 2nd day of 
May 1811. ^ 

(Signed) Sarah Curtis. 
In presence of 

Bakt Bronsdon. 
William Taylor." 



98 PART I. 



(283) Sarah Bant Bronsdos* (Baxt*, Bknm.-. B.ibt.*). 
[See also (B. 12), Part II.] 
(283) Sarah Baxt Broxsdox^ was the oldest chuigiiier una second cliild 

of (196) Capt. Bant Bronsdon^ and Elizabeth (Box), and was b. , 

1753. While the baptism of her oldest brother, John liox Bronsdon, is 
found in the King's Chapel records, hers is not, so that possibly she was 
not born in Boston. She m. Apr., 1777, Capt. Samnel Cuktis of Boston, 
who d. Dec, 1800, aged 51 j-ears. She d. Apr. L'l. I.s2('., of dropsy, and 
was interred in the Bronsdon Tomb, Xo. 1, Cojip's Hill, " Old Ground." 
Her husband was also buried there ; and a few months after her own death, 
this tomb received the remains of Mrs. Rebecca Dennis, a sister of Mrs. Curtis. 

Our records are imperfect concerning the family of Mrs, Curtis, than 
whom not one of the great aunts is better remembered or more highly 
revered. As John Box Bronsdon tilled the place of father and brotlier 
to his orphaned brothers and sisters, so did Sarah act a mother's part 
to them. As John Box Bronsdon kept " o}ien house*' in Milton, so did 
she in Boston, with this difference, her home was the abt>de of elegant lux- 
ury. Her husband had brought from abroad rare objects of art and curi- 
osity. Her table service was a set of china, made especially for them, and 
decorated with the Curtis monogram. She had also collected and atwjuired 
most of the heirlooms and relics, which were her ancestors' — plate, portraits, 
furniture, and family papers. 

She resided in Pitts Street in a dignitied and commodious mansion, the 
front door of Avhich was decorated with a resplendent brass knocker. Ifer 
personality commanded respect, and her amiability won all hearts. 

She had a summer residence in Milton, Mass., very near her brother 
Benjamin's house. The care-takers were two old family servants, colored 
people, named '' Jerry" and '< Marey Derry.'' The Curtis family maintained 
these old retainers, who had been slaves in the liox and Hoskins families, 
until they died. They had a daughter, <' Silvie " Derry, who at one time 
lived with (300) :Mrs. Loring (Eliz. Bronsdon'*). 

It is remembered that '-Aunt Curtis" had at least four children, and 
we find a trace of two of them on the records : 

(289) i. Samuel' Curtis, bapt. Dec. 14, 1788, at the Brattle Street 

Church. 

(290) ii. George Bronsdon^ Curtis, d. Nov. 7, 1700. Interred in Tomb 

Xo. 1, Copp's Hill. 

(291) iii. Joseph' Curtis, thought to have been lost at sea. 

(292) iv. Elizabeth Box' Curtis, m. Saml. M. W. Brooks. She had two 

children. 



BKONSDOX FAMILY. 99 



(293), i. Samuel G." Brooks, b. about 1818-19. 
(294) ii. Samh E. C.« Brooks, b. about 1821. 

We havebeeu unable to trace these children further than to ascertain 
that they removed to New York City, or thereabouts, with theii; father, 
about the years 1837-8. Their mother had died before their grandmotlier 
Curtis, and Mr. ]>rooks settled the property, and, with the children, left 
Boston, and it is supposed married again. In 1837, he was employed by 
the Long Island Dye Co., New York, as book-keeper. 

A strong effort lias been made to trace these descendants of Sarah B. 
(Bronsdon) Curtis. We trust that if this comes to their knowledge, they 
will communicate with us. 

In the year 1799, her brother Bant Bronsdon* of Boston died, leaving 
a family of seven children, and, a year later, Bant's wife died also 
(Deborah Jackson;. 

Mrs. Curtis was very kind to these children. In 1804, she was 
appointed guanlian as follows : 

•'Sarah \\. Curtis, widow, June 11, 1804, appointed guardian of Harriet 
and Sarah Bronsdon minors more than 14 and Mary, Joseph, Nancy and 
l';ischal, minors Irss tlian 1 I. 

'• Samuel '■' • ■ '-rlain i>f llv-u'ii .Mt-rcli* and Joseph Newell of Charles- 
tnwn, MtMch'. I lK)und with s*' (luardian for faithful performance of 

s" trust." 

WluMi .Mr.s. l»<iH.i,iu ii<>.\, un- wi'UMV <pi M !>. Curtis' uncle, John Box, 
Jr., who d. 17'.H.», leaving an estate in disi)ute, was thereby rendered nearly 
dfstituti', .Mrs. Curtis received her, and i-ared for her until her death in 
IS 14. Aunt Deborah's Bible, wliich was brought from England by John 
W^tx, Sr., thus fell into Mrs. Curtis' possession, and was by her presented 
to .lohn l?o.\ llrun.sdon, and is now in Stoughton in the Itebecca^ (Bronsdon) 
Gay family. 

Margaret Uronsdon* (Phinea.s') b. 1824, received as a birth gift a little 
blue wooden high chair (which is still in a state of good preservation) from 
her father's Aunt Curtis. 

In the Columbian Cfitt'unl, .\pr. -L'. 1 SIMI, is this uuliee : 

'• Last Kvcning Mrs. Sarah Curtis aged 73. Funeral on ^[onday After- 
noon at I o'clock from her late residence in Pitts Street." 

Lore. 



100 



PART I. 



(383) John Box Bronsdox* of Milton, Mass. (BANT.^ Bexj.^ Robt.^). 

[See also B 11, Tart II]. 
[John Box Bronsdon was the first born of the Fourth Generation of Bronsdons.] 

John Box BkoxsdoxS sou of (196) Bant Bronsdon, was b. May 21, 
17-,1 His mother, Elizabeth (Box), was an Episcopalian in beUef, and had 
her first-born son bapt. at King's Chapel, Sept. 8, 1751, where his name is 
recorded as -'John Brunsden." He was named in honor of his grandfather, 

John Box. 

The intentions of marriage between him and :Miss Abigail Baker are 

recorded in Stonghton. 

"Intentions of IMarriage between John Box Bransdle of Milton and 
Abigail Baker of Stoughton, entered with me the subscriber June j" -» 

1774 '' 

(Signed) George Grossman, Toa-n Clerk. 

The marriage took place Aug. 9, 1774, and the young couple settled at 
Milton, near the Blue Hills. 

Abigail Baker was b. May 21, 1751 ; her parents were Elijah and Hannah 
(Puffer) Baker of Stoughton. Her ancestry includes also Withington (in 
two lines) Preston, Eliot, Sybthorpe, Gurtis, Trott, Procter, Earnsworth, 
Holbrook, Heminway (?) Glapp, Vose and Pond. (See Baker Appendix.) 
John Box Bronsdon^ d. Feb. 22, 1823, aged 71 years, and Abigail, his wife, 
d. June 18, 1827, aged 76 years, and both are bur. in Milton Gemetery. 

Tivelve Children, all b. in IMilton : 

(295) i. Phinehas Bronsdon^ b. May 7, 1775; d. June 22, 1776, aged 13 

mos., 15 d. 

(296) ii. Benjamin. Bronsdon^, b. July 1, 1778; d. July 18, 1832; m. 

Nancy Damon. 

(297) iii. Ahirjail Bronsdon', b. Dec. 31, 1779; d. Apr. 23, 1850; in. 

Harrison. 

(298) iv. Samuel Bronsdon'', b. Aug. 9, 1781 ; d. Aug. 25, 1867 ; m. Mary 

Brewer. 

(299) V. Sarah Curtis Bronsdon^ b. Feb. 24, 1783 ; d. Feb. 24, 1855 ; m. 

Capt. Thos. H. Marsh. 

(300) vi. Elizabeth Box Bronsdon^ b. Nov. 7, 1784; d. May 30, 1768; m. 

John G. Loring. 

(301) vii. Behecca Bronsdon', b. June 10, 1786; d. Sept. 11, 1816; m. 

Solomon Stetson, who d. Dec. 7, 1817. 

(302) viii. John Bronsdon', b. Apr. 9, 1788; d. Feb. 15,1832; m. Elizabeth 

Holmes. 



a * » 



BRONSDON FAMILY. 101 



(303) ix. Phiiii'has Brwisdon^, b. Apr. (i, 1790; d. Dec. 28, 18G1 ; m. Mrs. 

Rachel (Marston) Lee. 

(304) X. Hainmh Bronsdon^ b. Aug. 27, 1792; d. May 8,1881 ; m. Thos. 

Allen, Jr. 

(305) xi. Elijah Bronsdon', h. Dec. IG, 179G ; d. Aug. 22, 1831 ; single. 
(30G) xii. William Bant Bronsdon^, b. Sept. 21, 1798 ; d. Nov. 9, 1859 ; m. 

Elizabeth Bowman. 

All of these children have descendants living, with the exception of 
three : the first, Phineas ; Rebecca,' who died of consumption at the age of 
30 years (her husband, Mr. Stetson, died soon after, and both are buried at 
Copp's Hill in the Bronsdon Tomb) ; and Elijah, who never married. 

The history of each child and descendants is given in order of birth 
following the biographies of their parents. 

Biography of (282) Johx Box Bkoxsdon*. 

He was the son of Capt. Bant Bronsdon'^ and Elizabeth, dau. of John 
and Lydia (Story) Box. John Box Bronsdon was b. in Boston on Hancock 
Street, near Mount Yernon Street. The spot has been pointed out to his 
grandchildren many times by their parents. The land is now the property 
of the State, and was at one time covered by the reservoir and now by the 
State House annex. At the time of John's birth, however, it belonged to 
his grandfather, John Box, '' ropemaker," of Boston. (See Part II of this 
book.) 

Young Bronsdon attended the Mavhew School on Plawkins Street. His 
father, Capt. Bant Bronsdon, died while absent on a voyage to England, 
according to family tradition, while his youngest child was an infant. 

Mr. Phineas Bronsdon (John Box Bronsdon's son) stated during his 
life-time that both his grandparents died before he was born (in 1790). He 
also said that his father had visited England where he had relatives. It is 
not probable that he remained there for any length of time, for he was 
apprenticed to a boot-maker in Boston, in compliance with a State law, which 
provided that every fatherless boy should be fitted with a useful and self- 
supporting trade. 

Before his marriage, which took place at the age of 23 years, he had 
accumulated sufficient means to enable him to purchase a house and land in 
Milton, the same which now belongs to his descendants. 

He was the first of his family in America to turn his attention toward 
farming. Even so, he did not depend upon farming altogether, but he was 
fond of a country life ; hunting and fishing were then about the only recre- 
ations for young men. He became acquainted with his future wife in 
Stoughton. 

As he traveled over the old Stoughton road from Boston he passed by 
a small place owned by Ralph Inman (a gentleman of Royalist sympathies), 



102 P^KT I. 

which enlisted his attention as likely to prove a desirable home for himself 
and Abigail. :Mr. Inman had never lived there, having acquired title 
through his wife, who had been a Widow Smith of Milton. He was anxious 
to dispose of it, and John Box Bronsdon purchased it for £170, styling 
himself " cordwainer," in the deed of conveyance. The property was 
described as " five acres more or less on the road to Stoughton." There was 
an old house, built 1730. The land was part of an original grant in 1G60 
to Deacon Edward Clap of Dorchester, who was a direct ancestor of Abigail 
(Baker) Bronsdon. Edward's son, Ezra, inherited the land from his father, 
and the five acres in question was set off as Ezra's widow's dower. Then 
Thomas Eels bought it of the widow (Experience Clap) and paid her £24 
for it. He " improved " the laud and built a house in 1 730. He died, and 
his son, Joshua Eels (also Ellis) bought out the heirs (liis mother and 
sisters). Joshua Eels had gone to Connecticut to reside and had no use for 
the place, therefore he sold it to Samuel Soper, whose son, Justus, came into 
possession in July, 1770. Justus Soper dying, his administrator gave a 
deed of the property to Kufus Bent, from whom it passed to the Widow 
Smith, who afterward married Kalph Inman. 

The description of the original grant coincides very nearly with the 
estate afterward acquired by John Box Bronsdon, who increased his real 
estate holdings in Milton as time went on. 

From the records we copy : 

" Lot 52, containing 28 acres 32 rods granted to Edward Clap in 1660." 

This lot extended from the ''old Braintree Line" to the "Parallel 
Line." (See History of Milton.) John BoxBronsdon's purchases, from dif- 
ferent parties after 1774, included most of the land originally granted to 
Edward Clap, and he subsequently increased the amount to about fifty acres. 
He had the English passion for land, and he acquired all that he was able 
by hard work and self denial. The times were hard, indeed, at the period 
of and succeeding the Eevolution. He gave freely of his services at inter- 
vals for two years to the patriot cause. He had a large family, who were 
comfortably "raised" and assisted to make their way in life. He died free 
from debt and respected as a good neighbor and an honest man. 

In detail, his real estate investments were as follows : 

i\[arch 6, 1777, Ebenezer Houghton conveyed to John Box Bronsdon 5 
separate parcels of land, one containing 4|- acres, 29 rods : one containing 
14^ acres 11 rods: one containing 2^ acres 10 rods and one containing 7^ 
acres 15 rods, also 1 acre of salt meadow. 

Eeb. 4, 1781, William Tucker conveyed to John Box Bronsdon 
"meadow land comprising 4^ acres." 



BRONSDON FAMILY. 103 



Jan. 21, 1788, Setli Sumner et al to John Box Bronsdou 6 acres and 
also ^ oi a, 10-acre lot, the other half Stephen Clap owned. (Book 138, leaf 
38, Suffolk Deeds.) 

In the same year, Stephen' Clap and his mother Mary Clap, his sisters 
Lydia, Hannah, Esther and Judith, deeded five acres next the homestead for 
£13 10s., bounded S.W. by Joseph Tucker, N.W. by same, N".E. on Brons- 
don's own land in part and partly on land of Jackson heirs "said to be 
owned by Hon. Oliver Wendall," and S.E. on land of Hon. John Hancock 
on what is called the " Old Braintree Line," with a right of way " from the 
old county road through Soper's land." On this land, John Bronsdon^, son 
of John Box Bronsdon, afterward built a house, which is still standing, and 
with the land is owned by W. E. C. Eustis. 

In 1791, Hon. Oliver Wendell conveyed " two acres on Bare Hill " to 
John Box Bronsdon. (Book 170, leaf 239, Suffolk Deeds.) 

Mr. Bronsdon sold a piece of land to Dr. John Sprague, but he was not 
anxious to dispose of what he had acquired. He appears to have had con- 
siderable business ability, conjoined with industry and perseverance. His 
wife inherited an interest in real estate from her 'Grandfather Puffer in 
Randolph. John Box Bronsdon increased this inheritance by purchasing 
the shares of all the other heirs until he had twenty-five acres of land in 
Randolph, Mass. In 1804, the Blue Hill turnpike was laid out in the rear 
of the homestead lot in Milton. 

Soon after John Box Bronsdon's marriage, perhaps at the very time, 
his brother Benjamin came to live with him. In one early paper he styles 
himself "victualler," and as Benjamin is later found as a marketman in 
Boston, it is not improbable that John Box Bronsdon started the business, 
and afterward relinquished it to his brother. 

He soon engaged in boot and shoe-making. His shop was on the 
" Glover " land, the old cellar hole being still recognizable, although the 
building itself has long since disappeared. As a " shoe manufacturer " he 
met with a good degree of success, thereby obtaining ready cash, and he 
was thus enabled to pay for his lands. 

He was noted for his hospitable disposition. His cherry trees were of 
the choicest varieties, planted and nurtured by himself. In cherry time, 
large parties of relatives and friends from Boston and other places were 
wont to appear at the farm, to be regaled with the delicious fruit. The 
cherry trees stood through two generations. 

In 1784, his brother Benjamin purchased land and erected a house in 
Milton (see his history), preparatory to taking a wife and settling down. His 
sister Sarah had married Capt. Curtis in 1777, and lived on Pitts Street, 
Boston, also had a summer residence in Milton, close by Benjamin's place. 
Others of the family married and remained near, except William, who was 



104 PART I. 

captain of a whaling ship, and who, before his retirement from a sea-faring 
life, removed to Worcester County. One brother, Bant, died in 1799. 

At the outbreak of the Revolutionary War, but two of the Bronsdons 
were old enough to take part in the struggle. These were John Box Brons- 
don* and Benjamin Bronsdon^ They used to relate that they started for or 
went to the Battle of Bunker Hill, but there are no records to confirm this 
action. Descendants of John Box Bronsdon's father have figured in every 
war since his day. In the Archives of the State of Massachusetts, we find 
the following record of service, John Box Bronsdon's name being included 
in each muster roll : 

'•' ]\Lilton, Dec. 21, 1775. Muster roll of Capt. John Bradlee's company 
of Militia in Col. Lemuel Robinson's Regt. that served 17 days as a stand- 
ing company in defence of American Liberty before the standing army was 
complete after Concord fight." 

"Muster roll of Capt. John Bradley's co. of Militia of Milton in Col. 
Gill's Regt. that marched to Dorchester Keck March 4 1776 to the assistance 
of the army when the forts were erected at Dorchester. Marched 9 miles, 
5 days service." 

" Muster Roll of Capt. Josiah Vose's co. of Militia in Milton that 
guarded the sea shores from Apr. 13 to 26, 1776." 

Copies of the original can be obtained at the State House in Boston. 
Milton History gives the full rolls. 

The story of March, 1776, is related by Rev. Mr. Teele, the historian of 
Milton. This is the story of the achievements at Dorchester Heights, 
which had the result of driving the British from Boston. 

John Box Bronsdon bore an active part in the doings of that eventful 
time. Neither himself nor his possessions were spared in the service. He 
was enrolled as a soldier, but on that night, when the fortification was 
erected, he drove his own team, loaded with material for the construction of 
breastworks. He possessed two yoke of oxen, both of which were in iise on 
that occasion. 

Mr, Teele says, " The materials for the breastworks were cut on the 
Sumner Farm in Milton (which is about ten miles from the State House), 
and were stored in a secluded spot. About three hundred teams were 
employed in transporting them. Not a word was spoken ; the teams, with 
muffled chains and wheels, worked almost without guidance." 

Our ancestor related that he took the " nigh ox by the horns " and drew 
its head in the needed direction. 

Two thousand men marched across the Neck. The time was about 7 in 
the evening. Abigail was waiting at home with their little son, she feared 



BRONSDON FAMILY. 105 



for its father's life, but he was to return, while, in a few short weeks, the 
little babe was to pass away. Her father, too, was bearing his part of the 
burden of war. John Box Bronsdon received no money for his work that 
night, yet never did he work with greater force and speed ; he thought not 
of pay. First, an advance party led the way carefully, silently, then fol- 
lowed the mufifled carts loaded with digging tools and crowbars, then a body 
of soldiers, and, in the rear, more carts loaded with bundles of wood, called 
fascines, and other material, for the erection of earth-works. By the early 
gleams of the dawn, they had built defences which served as a shield against 
small shot. It is well known how the British general, and his army of eight 
thousand men, sailed away to Halifax and came not back. 

There is no portrait of John Box Bronsdon, although it is thought 
there was one in existence, but its present whereabouts is unknown. An 
expressive '' silhouette " picture remains. He was of medium weight and 
height, dark hair and eyes, and of very dignified presence. During his last 
years he was an invalid, tenderly cared for by wife and children. His widow 
lived on in the old house for a few years after her husband's death, cared 
for by a son, Elijah, who never married, and lived at home. The grave of 
John Box Bronsdon is in the oldest part of Milton Cemetery. 

One stone marks the last resting place of husband and wife, and it is 
in an excellent state of preservation. John Box Bronsdon died, as he had 
lived, square with his fellowman, having been honest in his dealings and a 
faithful husband, parent and friend. 

Mrs. Abigail (Bakek), wife of John Box Bronsdon. 

She was possessed of much natural ability as well as refinement, and 
was of good family, reckoning some of the best families of the county 
among her relatives. She inherited property in land from the Puffers, her 
mother's people, to which land her husband added by purchases from the 
other heirs, thus acquiring considerable woodland in Kandolph. 

In temperament, quiet and serene, she formed a marked contrast to her 
outspoken and impulsive husband. He was accustomed to ride rough-shod 
over obstacles, and there was often occasion for her feminine diplomacy in 
smoothing a path for his eager and impetuous feet. But for all her placidity, 
she did not lack energy and promptitude. A pretty story is told of her 
while she was still young Abby Baker. 

It was winter time, and a snow storm, amid a furious gale, was raging. 
The '•■ men-folks " were absent, and Abby was j)eering from the windows of 
her home, anxious for their return. Suddenly above the roar of the storm 
there smote upon her ear a perfect babel of sound which experience told her 
proceeded from a flock of wild geese. She comprehended on the instant 
that the geese had become bewildered in the fierce wind and blinding snow, 



loe. 



PART I. 



and that their puri>ose was to settle on Ponkapog Pond, for which they were 
then searching. They had been attracted by the cries of an old tame gander 
out in the Baker barn, and Abby could distinguish his voice in emulation of 
his wild brethren., Scarcely less excited, she rushed out into the storm and 
with all her girlish strength flung wide the big barn doors and, to her in- 
tense deli.'ht, the wild geese came flapping and honking about her, lured by 
the tame gander, and followed their leader into the sheltering recesses of the 
barn. lyierrily then did Abby swing to the doors upon her feathered pris- 
oners. It was a large flock ; and every one of Abigail's children and grand- 
children have been entertained in their youth with the story of her exploit, 
and no bride was better provided with fluffy goose-feather pillows and beds 

than she. 

In appearance, Abigail Bronsdon was the reverse of her husband, being 
fair and with blue eyes. She lived on in the old house with her son Elijah, 
for four years of widowhood ; then she passed away and was buried by 
her husband's side. One stone marks their last resting place in Milton 
Cemetery, inscribed as follows : 



Sacred 

to the Memory of 

Mr. John B. Bronsdon 

who died 

Feb. 22, 1823, 

aged 71 years, 

ii- of his Wife 

Mrs. Abigail Bronsdon 

ivJio died 

June 18 1827 

aged 77. 



She was really but 76 years old. A Revolutionary marker is placed in 
front of the grave of John Box Bronsdon, in recognition of his service dur- 
ing those trying times of war. 




SILHOUETTES OF (282) JOHN BOX BRONSDON^ AND WIFE 
WITH SIX OF THEIR CHILDREN (See Numbers), 
AND AUTOGRAPH OF ROBERT BRONSDON'. 



BRONSDON FAMILY. 107 



(296) Benjamin Bronsdon^ (John Box", Bant", Benj.^, Robx.I). 

[See also (B. 14) Part II.] 

(296) Benjamin Bronsdon^ was the second child (tlie first cliild d. 
young) of (282) John Box Bronsdon, ahd was b. in IVIilton, Mass., July 1, 
1778 ; ni. July, 1805, Nancy Wade Damon, who was 1). in Scituate, Mass., 
May 4, 1780, and was dau. of Zadock and Thankful (Wade) Damon. Benja- 
min Bronsdon^ d. suddenly, July 18, 1832 ; Mrs. Bronsdon d. Feb. G, 1862, 
in jNIilton. 

Children : 
(307) i. Jane Bronsdoyi^, b. Aug. 13, 1806, at the old Damon Homestead in 
Scituate ; m. Dec. 24, 1840, Aaron Bullock Drake, b. Jan. 10, 
1815, in Grafton, N.H., and son of James 0. and Abigail (Bul- 
lock) Drake. ]\Ir. Drake d. May 1, 1868, at North Bridgewater, 
where they had resided, and Mrs. Drake d. Sept. 12, 1871. She 
was a very comiDanionable woman, and much beloved by her 
friends. 

Three Children: 

(308) i. Amelia Barsfow'^ Drake, b. Oct. 23, 1841 ; m. 

James P. Pearson of Hancock, N.k., later of 
Washington, D.C., Oct. 30, 1866. He d. in 
Washington, Dec. 7, 1893, and she d. Aug. 10, 
1896, at Nashua, N.H. Both buried at Bridge- 
water, now Brockton, Mass. No children. 

(309) ii. John Damon'' Drake, b. June 13, 1844 : d. Oct. 14, 

1845. 

(310) iii. Louise Jane' Drake, b. Mch. 8, 1847. Resides at 

Nashua, N.H. 

(311) ii. George Curtis Bronsdon^h. May 17, 1810, in Milton; d., un- 

married, at the Homestead in " Scott's Woods," Milton, June 3, 
1893, aged 83 years. 

(312) iii. Leirls Vose Bronsdon^ b. Aug. 5, 1814 : m. Louisa McDuffee. 

Res. at Milton. Three children. See below. 

(313) iv. Enos Fohes Bronsdon^ b. Dec. 5, 1819; d. Sept. 26, 1874; m. 

Annah N. Coffin. See below. 

Biography. 
(296) Benjamin Bronsdon^ was named for his uncle Benjamin. Little 
Benjamin was very welcome to his parents, and was ever a great favorite 
with his father ; as he had all the instincts of a sportsman, he was early pre- 
sented with a fowling-piece, and allowed to accompany his father about the 
Blue Hills, where game was plentiful, and he also fished in the rivers and 
ponds. As he grew to manhood he extended his hunting-grounds, and at 



108 



PART I. 



Cohasset he owned lirush Island, and had a camp there, where he lodged 
when on his gunning expeditions. In the neighborhood was the Zadock 
Damon Homestead, where Benjamin found a greater attraction than hunt- 
ing, in the company of the fair daughter of the house, sweet Kancy Damon. 
Benjamin's suit was looked upon with favor by Miss Damon and her 
parents, and having won their consent to the marriage, he bought land in 
Milton, about two miles from his father's house, across the fields in Scott's 
Woods, and there he built a house, and when all was in readiness he 
brought his bride home. They lived together most happily for upw^ards of 
a quarter of a century, when he died suddenly of heart disease in 1832. 
She lived for many years, a lovely and beloved old lady. She w^as 82 years 
oUl when she died, and is buried beside her beloved husband in Milton 

Cemetery. 

Mr. Bronsdon's tombstone bears the following sentiment : 

" Behold my ivife and children dear, 
This was your friend who slumbers here. 
Though death to me no warning gave 
But suddenly laid me in the grave 
Yet mourn not for your God is near 
He will to you a friend appear.'" 



(312) Lewis Vose Bronsdon® (Bexj.^ Johx Box*, Bant^, Bexj.-, Robt.^). 

Lewis Vose Bronsdon®, son of (296) Benjamin and Nancy (Damon) 
Bronsdon, was b. in Milton, Aug. 5, 1814, and is consequently now in his 
87th year. He is a farmer, and resides in the old homestead in " Scott's 
Woods." He m., Feb. 6, 1844, Miss Louisa McDuffee. 

Mr. Hronsdon is the senior member of the Bronsdon family in the male 
line. With him reside his son and daughter, his wife having passed away 
Wednesday, June 13, 1900. 

Children : 

(314) i. Louise Bronsdon', b. Jan. 24, 1849 ; res. at home with her father. 

She formerly taught school in Milton. 

(315) ii. Leu-is Bronsdon\ b. May 6, 1852 ; m. Sept. 6, 1894, Delia Eiley, 

of lU-aintree. No children. 

(316) iii. Pd('(j Bronsdon', b. Aug. 13, 1854 ; unmarried; res. at home; is 

a farmer. 

Mrs. Louisa (McDuffee) Bronsdon (see McDuffee in Appendix) was 
no ordinary woman. She conversed with rare intelligence, and her gentle 
courtesy and good breeding made visitors at home with her. She was 
cheerful under all circumstances, and interested in every one about her, true 
and generous as a friend, and so just in all her perceptions, that she never 



BRONSDON FAMFLY. 109 



seemed old, although her bodily health was none of the best. Her life was 
truly a beautiful one, and her going out gentle and peaceful, as befitted its 
close. 

She was born in Bradford, Vermont, April 11, 1817, and was of 
Scotch-Irish ancestry, an account of which will be found in the Appendix. 



(313) Enos Fobes Bronsdon'^ (Benj.^, John Box^ Bant^ Benj.^, Bobt.^). 

Ends Fobes Bronsdon was the fourth child of (296) Benjamin and 
Nancy (Damon) Bronsdon, and was b. in Milton, Dec. 5, 1819 ; m. Annah 
IST. Coffin, who was b. in Nantucket, IVIch. 18, 1825. 

Mr. Bronsdon lived on the farm in Milton with his mother and brother. 
He d. Sept. 26, 1871. His widow res. with her only son. 

Child: 

(317) i. Herbert Coffin Bronsdon', b. Nov. 11, 1856 ; m. Sept. 25, 1882, 
Caroline INIatilda Lombard, who was b. in Marlboro, Mass., and 
dau. of Thomas C. and Emma G. Lombard. 

Children : 

(318) i. Edward Holijoke Bronsdon^ b. Jan. 24, 1887 ; d. Oct. 

1887 ; bur. in Milton Cemetery. 

(319) ii. Herbert Coffin Bronsdon^, Jr., b. Dec. 23, 1891. 

(320) iii. Gladys Prentice Bronsdon^, b. July 4, 1893. 

Mr. Herbert C. Bronsdon'' has been for several years Curator at the 
Y. M. C. U., 48 Boylston Street, Boston. He resides in Dorchester. 



110 PART I. 



(297) Abigail Broxsdon^ (John Box*, Baxt^ Bexj.^, Eobt.^). 

Abigail Bkonsdon^ was the third eliikl of (282) John Box Bronsdoii 
and his wife Abigail (Baker), and was b. in Milton, Dec. 31, 1779. 

Her husband's name was Harrison, and he is thouglit to have died 
before the birth of her second child. She was not married in Milton, and 
but little is known of Mr. Harrison. After his death she chose to resume 
her maiden name, and set herself to the task of maintaining herself and 
little ones. She became a most excellent nurse, Avhose services were con- 
stantly in demand. She was bright, capable, and attractive. She was a 
church member, and her pastor, the Rev. Samuel Cozzens, in preaching her 
funeral sermon, spoke of her activity in church work and her charity to the 
poor. He had, he said, met her in the house of sickness and death, and her 
presence there was like a benediction. At the time of her death, in 1850, 
she had resided for several years in her own home in Milton Village. 

She had two daughters, only one of whom has descendants. 

(321) i. Man/ Harrison, b. Feb. 12, 1800 ; m. April, 1824, Pvobert Fletcher, 
who was b. in Peebles, Scotland, and d. in Brighton, ]\Iass., Sept., 
1864. Mrs. Fletcher d. Dec. 24, 1866. There were nine children, 
six of whom are now living (1901). 

(322) i. Helen Burnet' Fletcher, b. Oct. 27,1825; m. Charles 

Sanderson. Nine children. See below. 

(323) ii. Ilnhevt'' Fletcher, b. Aug. 11, 1827 ; d. Jan. 28, 1893. 

He was a soldier in the jMexican War. 

(324) iii. Mart/ Jane' Fletcher, b. Dec. 7, 1829 ; d. Feb. 10, 

1876; in. Dr. Felix Canfield of Brighton. No 
children. 

(325) iv. Marfjaref Fletcher, b. Nov. 17, 1831; m. John 

Wilson. Ten children. See below. 
(320) V. William' Fletcher, b. Dec. 9, 1833 ; m. Maria F. 

Corwin. Six children. See below. 
(327) vi. Annie' Fletcher, b. June 7, 1835 ; m. Joseph White 

Williams : res. at Jamaica Plain. See below. 
.(328) vii. Arabella Stuart'' Fletcher, b. July 27, 1838 ; m. 

Edward Stone. Four children. See below. 

(329) viii. Caroline Elizabeth' Fletcher, b. Jan. 24, 1841 ; m. 

first, Benj. F. Richer ; second, James B. F. 
Thomas. See below. 

(330) ix. Sarah Agnes'' Fletcher, b. Xov. 8, 1842 ; m. Dec. 21, 

1866, Benjamin Mudge Fisk ; he b. at Lyndeboro, 
N.H., Mch. 5, 1844. Mrs. Fisk d. Jan. 8, 1900, 
leaving no children. 



BRONSDON FAMILY. Ill 



(322) Helen- Burnet'' Fletcher, dau. of (321) Mary*^ (Harrison) 
Fletcher (Mary*', Abigail^, John Box^, BANT^ Ben.t.^, Eot}t'.). 

(322) Helen Burnet Fletcher, b. Oct. 27, 1825; m. Dec. 11, 1845, 
Charles William Sanderson, who was b. in Brighton, Mass., Ang. 26, 1823. 
Children all born in Brighton, where they res.ide (1901). 

Nine Children : 
(331) i. Helen Bin-iief^ Sanderson, b. Nov. 26, 1846; m. 1868, Alpheus 
Kirke White (b. in Brighton, Mch., 1840 ; d. Jan., 1882). 

Two Children : 

(332) i. Larl'in Wright:" White, b. Nov. 18, 1868 ; d. Dec, 

1869. 

(333) ii. William. Morton'' White, h. Ang. 27, 1870; m. 

Jan. 29, 1896, Ella Hart, and had 

(334) i. Charles Augustus^'' White, b. Ang. 28, 1872. 

(335) ii. Alpheus Kirke'^^ White, b. Jnly, 1875. 

(336) iii. Laura'' White, b. Dec. 19, 1881. 

(337) ii. Charles Mi^ Sanderson, b. Dec. 16, 1848 ; m. Eliza McCarthy. Ees. 
in Brighton. 

Three Children : 

(338) i. Floreiiee Thiving^ Sanderson, b. 1877 ; d. 1885. 

(339) ii. Fannie' (twin to Florence), b. 1877. 

(340) iii. Blanche Gertrude' Sanderson, b. Jnly, 1883. 



(341) iii. John Thu-ing^ Sanderson, b. Mch. 18, 1851; m. Jnlianna Heath, 
Dec, 1871. She Avas b. in St. Johnsbury, Vt., Apr., 1853. Ees. 
in Brighton. 

Six Children : 

(342) i. Leon"" Sanderson, b. 1872; d. in infancy. 

(343) ii. Henri/^ Clark^ Sanderson, b. Feb. 8,. 1874. 

(344) iii. Caroli7ie IsabeP Sanderson, b. Feb., 1875. 

(345) iv. John Alden'' Sandersov, b. Jan., 1879. 

(346) V. WiHiani Fleteher'' Sanderson, h. K\\^. 3, 1^?>\. 

(347) vi. Kenneth Esmond'' Sanderson, b. 1887 ; d. 1894. 

(348) iv. Jessie^ Sanderson, b. Oct. 1, 1853; m. April 30, 1872, Zachary 

Taylor Harrington, who was b. in Boston, , 1847. Mrs. 

Harrington d. at Wellesley Hills, Dec. 23, 1899. 

Five Children : 

(349) i. Sidney Scott'' Harrington, b. Feb. 18, 1873 ; m. 

Aug., 1896, Florence Leslie (b. Jnly 31, 1874). 

(350) ii. Fannie Smtes^ Harrington, h. Oct. 1, 1875. 

(351) iii. Marian Leslie^ Harrington, b. Nov. 4, 1877. 

(352) iv. Jessie Lester^ Harrington, b. Oct. 13, 1879. 

(353) V. Ruth Alnia^ Harrington, b. Sept., 1889. 



112 PAET I. 

(354) V. Annie Cora^ Sanderson, b. Oct. 10, 1855 ; m. Frank Augustus 
Taylor, who was b. in Ik-ighton, May, 1859. 

07ie Child: 
(355) Helen A.^ Taylor, b. Dec, 1884. 

(356) vi. liohert Fletcher^ Sa^iderson, b. Dec. 23, 1857 ; unmarried. 

(357) vii. Cordelia Clark^ Sanderson, b. Nov. 30, 1861 ; m. Jan., 1882, 

William Baird Pond, who was b. Mch., 1859. Res. at Brighton. 

One Child : 
(358) Jean Baird^ Pond, b. Feb. 21, 1883. 

(359) viii. Clarence Wood^ Sanderson, b. Mch. 19, 1869; m. June, 1895, 
Mary Alice Warren, who was b. in Brighton, June, 1871. 
Res. at Watertown. 

One Child : 
(360) William Proctor' Sanderson, b. July 8, 1896. 

(361) ix. Wallace Proctor^ Sanderson, b. Dec. 9, 1870 ; d. Mch. 14, 1888, 
in Briu'liton. 



(335) ]\[argaret" Fletcher (Mary^, Abigail^, John Box^, Bant^, 
Bexj.^, RoBT.^), dau. of (321) Mary® (Harrison) Fletcher. 

She was b. in Dorchester, ISTov. 17, 1831 ; m. July 3, 1848, in New 
York City, John Wilson, who was b. in Edinboro', Scotland, Feb. 22, 1820, 
and d. there July 8, 1867. Mrs. Wilson res. in Brooklyn. She has had ten 
children, six of whom are living. 

(362) i. Margaret Wilson, b. July 29, 1849 ; m. September, 1873, James 

Rapelyea. 

(363) ii. Charles Lockhart^ Wilson, b. July 2, 1853 ; m. Apr., 1878, Kate 

Reed ; res. in Chicago, 111. 
(364; iii. Emma^ Wilson, b. April 11, 1860; m. Mch., 1888, Jacob H. 
Schoonmaker of Brooklyn. N.Y. 

(365) iv. Normnn^ Wilson, b. Sept. 12, 1861 ; m. Oct., 1885^ Mary E. Osterla 

of I Baltimore. 

(366) V. Donald^ Wilson, b. Nov. 19, 1863 ; m. Aug., 1888, Ida Euglis ; 

res. in Ik'ooklyn, N.Y. 

(367) vi. Fb'tcher^ Wilson, b. Oct. 16, 1866 ; m. Annie L. Way, Jan., 1894 ; 

res. at La Porte, Texas. 

^^rs. Rapelyea and Mrs. Schoonmaker have no children. The others 
have families. 



(336) William' Fletcher (MARY^ Abigail^, John Box*, Bant^, 
P.ENJ.2, RoBT.i), son of (321) Mary« (Harrison) Fletcher. 

He was b. Dec. 9, 1833 ; m. Sept. 13, 1864, Maria F. Corwin, who was 
b. May 3, 1842, at Lebanon, Ohio. Res. at Kansas City, Kans. 



BRONSDON FAMILY. 113 



Children : 

(368) i. Mary Cnnrl,,^ Fletcher, b. Dee. 21, 18G5 ; in. June 30, 1884, R. D. 

S})eck. 

(369) ii. Robert C Fletcher, b. Mcli. 1, 1867. 

(370) iii. Williaiti^ Fletcher, Jr., b. June 20, 186S. 

(371) iv. Matthew C.« Fletcher, b. Mcli. 2, 1874. 

(372) V. Helen Burnet^ Fletcher, b. Oct. 1, 1879. 

(373) vi. Mabel S.' Fletcher, b. Oct. 19, 1883. 



(337) Annie'' Fletchek, dau. of Mary (Harrison) Fletcher (321) 
(Mary®, Abigail^, John Box"*, Bant^, Benj.^ Robt.^). 

Annie Fletcher was b. June 7, 1835 ; m. June 9, 1853, Joseph 
White Williams, who was b. Nov. 28, 1823, near the Brookline Reservoir, 
in Brookline, Mass. His parents were Joseph and Caroline (White) Wil- 
liams. They rem. to Jamaica Plain in 1828, and their son had made his 
home there since that time, a period of 72 years. He was engaged with his 
father, during his early manhood, in business at the corner of Burroughs 
and Center Streets, but had been retired for about fifteen years before his 
death, which took place after a short illness, Sept. 1, 1900. He had pre- 
viously enjoyed the best of health. 

When a boy he attended Mr Smalley's school in Hyde Square, and 
afterwards was a pupil in the old Eliot school, which was located near 
Monument Square, Jamaica Plain, and which his father aided in building. 

Nearly everybody in Jamaica Plain was acquainted with him, and he 
was very highly respected. He was a successful business man, and a con- 
siderable property owner. His death was a loss to the community, and a 
deep sorrow to his bereaved wafe, who had enjoyed a happy married life of 
nearly half a century with him. 

Mr. and Mrs. Williams had no children. 

His funeral took place on Sept. 4, and he was laid to rest at Forest 
Hills Cemetery. 



(338) Arabella Stuart'' Fletcher, dau. of Mary (Harrison) Fletcher 
(321) (xMary«, Abigail^ John Box*, P.ant^ Benj.-, Eobt.i). 

Arabella Stuart Fletcher was b. July 27, 1838, in Dorchester ; m. 
Dec. 25, 1855, Edward Stone, who was b. in Boston, Feb. 20, 1831. They 
reside in Jamaica Plain, and have had four children ; the first born in 
Jamaica Plain, the others in Roxbury. 

Children : 

(374) i. Jennie Allen' Stone, b. Mch. 10, 1858 ; d. Oct. 13, 1886, aged 28 

years. 

(375) ii. Arabella Fletcher' Stone, b. May 16, 1860 ; d. Dec. 24, 1866. 

(376) iii. William Henri/ Stone, b. April 8, 1862 ; d. Dec. 8, 1863. 

(377) iv. Edward Fulton' Stone, b. April 1, 1867. 

8 



114 TAUT 1. 

(329) Caroline Elizabeth^ Fletcher, dau. of Mary (Harrison) 
Fletcher (321) (Mary«, ABIGAIL^ John BoxS Bant^ BENJ.^ Robt.i). 

Caroline Elizabeth' Fletcher was b. Jan. 24, 1841 ; m. May, 
1858, Benjamin F. Ricker, who was b. in Brighton, 1834 ; d. June 24, 1896. 

She then m. second, James B. F. Thomas, Oct., 1897, who was b. in 
Boston, 1839. lies, in ]5i-ighton summers, and in Boston durmg the winter 
time. Cliildren, all by first husband, five in number : 

(378) i. Lillian Bassetf Ricker, b. Mch. 1, 1859 ; m. Jan. 9, 1882, George 

P Kelley. They have no children (1898). 

(379) ii. Carrie Josephine' Bicker, b. Dec. 24, 1861 ; m. first, Walter B. 

Cross ; second, Clarence A. Laubham. Res. m Boston. 

Cliildren : 

(380) i. Gertrude Agnes^ Laubham, b. Feb. 22, 1884. 

(381) ii. Lillian Marguerite^ Laubham, b. Jan. 2, 1889. 

(382) iii. Frank Hunter'' Ricker, b. Jan. 18, 1864 ; m. Oct., 1893, Lelia 
Warren. 

Children : 

(383) i. Dorothji Elizabeth^ Ricker, b. Sept. 6, 1896. 

(384) ii. Lelia Frances Ricker'^, b. Nov. 20, 1897. 

(385) iv. Ag7ies Flora^ Ricker, b. Oct. 8, 1866. 

(386) v. Arabella Stuarf Ricker, b. Oct. 26, 1868 ; m. Oct. 11, 1894, Alfred 

^Nludge. 

Child : 
(387) i. Caroline Fletcher'' Mudge, b. Dec. 1, 1897. 



BEONSDON FAMILY. 115 



(ti98) Samukl Bkonsi:)On^ (John ]>ox'', IUnt'', Hen.i.-, Robt.^). 

(298) Samukl IJkonsdon^ was tlie fourth child of (28L') Jolin Box 
Broiisdon, and was b. in Milton, j\Iass., Any. 9, 1780; in. Feb. 4, 1812, 
Mary (Polly), dau. of William and Experience (Pittee) Brewer of Hing- 
hani, Mass. She was 1). Aug. 10, 1785. Mv. Bronsdon d. June 10, 1840, 
and his widow d. Aug. 25, 1867. They resided in Milton all their lives. 

Samuel Bronsdon possessed the virtues of generosity and hospitality, 
and was greatly beloved, as was also his wife, who was familiarly called Aunt 
Polly. Her life was full of good works. The home life of Samuel Bronsdon 
was very pleasant. They were attendants at the Unitarian Church, Milton. 

Children, h. in Milton, seven in number: 

(388) i. Cliarh's llronsdon^', b. Apr. 20, 1813 ; m. Lydia INlaria Jenness of 
Cambridge. He d. June 21, 1870, and she d. Apr. 3, 1881. 

Six Cliildren : 

(389) i. Ma7-ia Louise Bronsdon', b. Feb. 17,1843; m. 

Jan. 8, 1863, Samuel, son of Samuel and 
Lydia Jenness, who was b. Aug. 9, 1841. 
They have had four children : 

(390) i. Arthur W^ Jenness, b. Jan. 8, 1864. 

(391) ii. Helen Louise^ Jenness, b. Xov. 8, 1865. 

(392) iii. Alice Bronsdon^ Jenness, b. Apr. 3, 1868; 

d. young. 

(393) iv. Harriet JIabeP Jenness, b. May 30, 1877 ; d. 

young. 

(394) ii. Luci/ Jenness Bronsdon'', b. Feb. 27, 1846, in 

Fitchburg; d. in Cambridge, Feb. 24, 1868, 
unmarried. 

(395) iii. Mar// Brewer Bronsdon'. b. Sept. 11, 1848, in 

Dorchester; d. Sept. 20, 1849. 

(396) iv. Charles Warren Broiisdiin\ h. July 30. 1850; 

d. Sept. 9, 1851. 

(397) V. Samuel Gilbert Bronsdon'' (called Gilbert Brons- 

don), b. in Dorchester, Feb. 14, 1854 ; m. and 
went to Minneapolis, Minn. No trace of him. 

(398) vi. Nancy Beale Bronsdon', b. Aug. 15, 1855 ; d. 

Aug. 10, 1856. 

(399) ii. Mary Elizabeth Bronsdon^ b. Dec. 28,1814; m. Henry Swan ; 
eight children. See below. 



116 PART I. 

(400) iii. Francis Henry Bronsdon^, b. Sept. 3, 1817; m, in Milton, 
Apr., lS39,"Sarah Ann Kennison of Plymouth, N. H.. He d. 
May 22, 1860, leaving one child: 

(401) i. Saruli Frances Bronsdon', b. in Milton, Apr. 10, 
1849 ; m. Ernest Evans of AUentown, N. H. 

(402) iv. Samui'l Bronsdon^, Jr., b. Nov. 29, 1819 ; m. at Hingham, 
Deborah K. Whiton, June 1, 1843. She d. Oct., 1876, and he 
d. ]\Iar. 10, 1885. Mr. Bronsdon was one of the original 
members of the Lincoln Light Infantry, 4th Regt., M.V. M., 
served three months at Fortress ISIonroe as a fifer, re-enlisted 
Oct. 14, 1861, and was assigned as first-class musician to the 
19th Regt. Band. He participated in several serious engage- 
ments. 

Three Children, one of whom d. young : 

(403) i. Evivia Frances Bronsdon', b. Sept., LS4o ; un- 

married. 

(404) ii. Elizabeth Danforth Bronsdon'', b. Feb., 1849; 

m. June 5, 1888, Augustus S. Murch of Cas- 
tine, Me. 

One Child : 

(405) i. Harold Bronsdon^ Murch, b. Feb. 17, 1891. Res. 

in Hingham. 

(406) V. William- Brexver Bronsdon^, (Saml.^, John Box^, Bant^, Benj.-, 
Robt.i), was b. ]\ray 4, 1822; m. in Milton, July 19, 1853, 
Margaret Thompson Wille}^, who d. Jan. 9, 1898. She was the 
dau. of Simeon and Deborah (Hopkins) Willey of Mattapan, 
Mass., and was b. Aug. 12, 1832. Mr. Bronsdon lives on the 
homestead which Avas his father's, on Brook Road, Milton. He 
is a carpenter by trade, but now is iulirm from advancing 
years. He served nine months in the Civil War; enlisted 
Sept., 1862, in Co. B, 45th Regt., M.V. M., and mustered out 
July, 1863, with an honorable record. 

Children : 

(407) i. Arthur Edgar Bronsdon\ b. Apr. 17, 1854; d. 

Sept. 4, 1854. 

(408) ii. Williavi Franklin Bronsdo7i\ b. Apr. 23, 1857 ; 

d. Apr. 26, 1857. 

(409) iii. Walter Lincoln Bronsdon'' , b. Apr. 7, 1865 ; m. 

June 17, 1896, Madeleine Robina Findlater, 
who Avas b. Dec. 4, 1873, and is dau. of James 
Alexander (b. in New Hampshire), and Mar- 
garet (Burns) Findlater (b. in Truro). They 
have two children, b. in Milton : 

(410) i. Howard Allen Bronsdon^ b. Feb. 5, 1897. 

(411) ii. Winslow Bretver Bronsdon^ b. Jan. 6, 1898. 



BRONSDON FAMILY. » 117 



(412) vi. Amos Ilolbvouk Jh-onsdon^, son of (298) Samuel and Mary 

(Brewer) Bronsdon, was b. in Milton, Sept. 24, 1824. He was 
unmarried, and d. Jan. 20, 1803. He d. of illness brought on 
by exposure at Acquia Creek, Va., while in active service in 
the 13th Eegt., M.A^ M. His body was brought home for 
burial. 

(413) vii. Joseplo Warren Bronsdon'^, son of (298) Samuel and Mary 

(Brewer) Bronsdon, was b. Apr. 2, 1829; m. Elizabeth, dau. 
of Edward and Eliza (Howe) Pierce of Dorchester, Sept. 24, 
1874. She died before him. He d. Feb. 27, 1898, at the Old 
Gentlemen's Home in Boston. He was a member of the First 
Church in Dorchester. 



(399) Mary Elizabeth Bronsdon® (Saml.'^, John Box*, Bant^, 

Benj.'-', Robt.^). 

(399) Mary Elizabeth Bro»nsdon® was the second child of (298) 
Samuel and Mary (Brewer) Bronsdon. (See list of their children.) She 
was b. Dec. 28, 1814, in Milton, Mass., and m. Apr. 16, 1838, William 
Henry Swan of Dorchester, who was b. Mar. 17, 1816, and son of Reuben 
and Ruth (Teele) Swan. He d. while on a visit to Tampa, Fla., Jan. 9, 
1896. Mrs. Swan d. in Dorchester at her residence, Sept. 23, 1897. She 
was possessed of sterling traits of character, which won the esteem of all 
who knew her. 

Her husband, Mr. Swan, was educated in the public schools of Dor- 
chester, and at Milton Academy, and in his early manhood taught school in 
Milton and Stoughton, and later, in the Wells School for Girls in Boston. 
He resigned his position in 1864, to enter the New England Bank of Bos- 
ton, where he remained until a short time before his death. He was a 
member of the Board of Selectmen of Dorchester for several years previous 
to 1869, and a director in the Dorchester Mutual Fire Insurance Co. 

He belonged to the <' Old School Boys' Association " of Boston. • He 
was successful as a teacher, and as a man was highly respected, both in 
public and private life. 

Mr. and Mrs. Swan had eight children : 

(414) i. William Henrrf Swan, b. Mar. 22, 1839. See below. 

(415) ii. Mary Richardson'' Swan, d. in infancy. 

(416) iii. Mary Richardson'' Sivan, b. June 22, 1842. See below. 

(417) iv. Walter Eugene' Swan, b. Sept. 7, 1845. See below. 

(418) V. Reuhen SamueP Siuan, b. Jan. 7, 1850. See beloAV. 

(419) vi. Allen Webster'' Swan, b. June 20, 1852. See below. 

(420) vii. Joseph Warren'' Swan, b. Oct. 12, 1855. See below. 

(421) viii. Edith'' Swan, b. Apr. 8, 1864. See below. 



118 ' PART I. 

(414) Wii.r.iAM Henry^ Swan (Mary E.^ Saml.^ John Box^ Bant^, 

Benj.-, KOBT.l). 

He was b. Mur. 22, 18.'>9, in Dorchester, Mass., and d. in Shanghai, 
China, May 1, 1859, unmarried. He was educated in the" schools of Dor- 
chester, graduating from the High School with honor. He afterward made 
two voyages as <' cabin boy," the first on the ship " Flying -Fish," to San 
Francisco, Cal. ; the second (and, as it proved the last), in ship " Egeria," 
to Shanghai, where he died of fever, and is buried in the English grave- 
yard there. 

(416) Mary Richardson'^ Swan (Mary E.®, Saml.^, John Box*, Bant^, 

Benj.^, EOBT.I). 

She was b. July 22, 1842, in Dorchester; m. in Dorchester, July 6, 
1865, Frederic Archibald O'Connor, who was b. in Boston, Mar. 11, 1838, 
and son of Peter Douglass and Bertha (Allen) O'Connor (b. in Birmingham, 
Eng.), and who removed from Boston to Lynn while their children were 
young, where they resided on Elm Street for many years. 

Frederic O'Connor first went to sea in 1850, and worked up to first 
officer in the merchant marine service. He was in China when the Civil 
War broke out in the United States, but he returned to his country, and in 
18G1 entered the Xavy as master's mate. He was twice promoted for meri- 
torious conduct while in action, was twice wounded, and remained in the 
service until 1867, when he resigned. Later, lie entered the U. S. Revenue 
Marine Service as third lieutenant, and was promoted to second lieutenant. 
In 1877, Mr. O'Connor resigned from the service, and engaged in the real 
estate and insurance business in Boston. Res. at Newton Highlands. 

Five Children : 

(422) i. Fannie Louise^ O'Connor, h. in Lynn, ^Mar. 10, 1866. 

(42;j) ii. William Frederic^ 0'Con7ior, b. in Dorchester, Feb. 12, 1869; 

m. July 25, 1895, Susan Longfellow, b. in the Isle of Wight, 

Eng. 

(424) 111. Bertha Elizabeth^ O'Connor, b. in Dorchester, June 7, 1871. 

(425) iv. Mar;/ Bren-n-^ O'Connor, b. in Medfield, Nov. 26, 1874; m. at 

Xewton Highlands, Aug. 24, 1896, Artlu^r Eugene Martell 
who was b. June 20, 1868, in Nova Scotia. Res. at New 



ton 



Highlands. 



(426) v. Jean7iie Swan^ O'Connor, b. at Medheld, Sept. 13, 1878. 



(417; ^\■ALTEK Eugene' Swan (Mary E.«, Saml.^ John BoxS Bant^, 

Benj.-, Robt.^). 

He was b. Sept. 7, 1845, in Charlestown ; m. in Boston, Apr., 1869, 
Harriet Maria, dau. of Harriet and William Pike of Boston. Mr. Swan 
is secretary of the Boston Water Board. Res. at Dorchester. 



BRONSDON FAMILY. 119 



Children : 

(427) i. L'obn-f niiick/ei/' Siran, b. July, 1870. 

(428) ii. ILtrry Gordon^ Stvan, b. Aug., 1873; m. June 5, 1900, Gertrude 

Lawrence of Dorchester. Infant child, Lawrence G. Swan, 
d. June, 1001. 



(418) Reuben Samuel'^ Swan (Mary E.'', Saml.'^, John Box^, Bant«, 

Ben,!.-, Robt.^). 

He was b. Jan. 7, 1850; m. Oct., 1873, Emma Augusta, dau. of Mary 
Jane (Wright) and William Melville of Dorchester. Mr. Swan is a cashier. 
Res. in Brookline. 

Child, b. in Dorchester : 
(429) i. Clifford Melville^ Sivan, b. Aug., 1877. 



(419) Allen Webster' Swan (Mary E.*', Saml.^, John Box*, Bant^, 

Benj.^, Robt.^). 

He was b. June 20, 1852. Is an organist and music teacher. Res. in 
New Bedford, Mass. 



(430) Joseph Warren'' Swan (Mary E.", Saml.^, John Box*, Bant^, 

Benj.^, Robt.^). 

He was b. in Dorchester, Oct. 12, 1855; m. in Brighton, Mass., Annie 
Maria, dau. of John and Louisa J. Dupee of Allston. Mr. Swan is a clerk. 
Res. in Dorchester. 

Child: 
(430) i. Kenneth Dupee^ Swan, b. in Dorchester, Sept., 1887. 



(431) Edith" Swan, (Mary E.^ Saml.^ John Box*, Bant^ 

Benj.^, Robt.^). 

She was b. Apr. 8, 1864 ; m. Feb., 1892, Joseph T. Burtsch of Tampa, 
Fla. He is a merchant. Res. at Tampa. 

Children : 

(431) i. Chester Swan^ Burtsch, b. Dec, 1893. 

(432) ii. Bertha Katherine^ Burtsch, b. Oct. 20, 1896 ; d. Oct. 9, 1900. 



120 PAllT 1. 



(299) Sarah Curtis Bronsdon^, dau. of John Box Bronsdon (282) 
(John Box*, Bant^, Benj.-, Eobt.^). 

(299) Sarah Curtis Bronsdon^ was the fifth chihl of (282) John Box 
Brousdon, and was b. in Milton, Mass., Feb. 24, 1783; m. Nov. 29, 1814, 
Capt. Thomas Hartshorne Marsh, who was b. July 9, 1776, at Danvers, 
Mass., and was son of Lieut. Ezekiel and Abiah (Hartshorne) Marsh. (See 
Genealogy by Col. Lucius Bolles Marsh, his son — " John Marsh of Salem, 
and his Descendants.") 

Six Children, only one of whom is now living (May, 1901) : 

(433) i. Thonuts Hartshorne^ Marsh, Jr., b. Oct. 30, 1815, at Danvers; 

m. Sept., 1847, Melinda Warren; and d. at Hartland, Me., 
Sept. 29, 1873, aged 58 years. He left no children. 

Thomas H. Marsh was a well known and respected citizen. His active 
assistance and neighborly kindness to all who were ill or in trouble, was 
always to be relied upon. He was a Free Mason, and his funeral was con- 
ducted with Masonic honors. 

(434) ii. Lucius Bolles^ Marsh, b. Apr. 18, 1818, at Danvers; m. July 5, 

1842, Miss Caroline E. Mann. They res. at 6 Columbus 
Square, Boston. They have had six children. See below. 

(435) iii. Sarah Curtis Bronsdon^ Marsh, b. Sept. 7, 1819, at Waterville, 

Me. ; m. in ]>oston, May 7, 1843, Samuel Barber Howard. 
They are not living. They had four children, two of whom 
survive. See below. 

(436) iv. Lydia Bolles^ Marsh, b. Mch. 2, 1821, at Fairfield, Me. ; d. of 
t l)neumonia, Nov. 2, 1874, at Hartland, Me. She never mar- 
ried. 

(437) V. Maru May Davenport^ Marsh, b. Oct. 27, 1822, at Fairfield, Me. ; 

m. Jan. 22, 1848, William D. Laws, of Hartland, Me. ; and d. 
Apr., 1857, at Hartland. 

Child: 

(438) i. Lucius 3V Laws, b. at Hartland, Me., 1853 ; m. 

Oct. 18, 1874, Mary Frances Bean ; res. at Win- 
throp, Mass. 

Ch lldren : 

(439) i. William Bails^ Laws, b. June 25, 1875. 

(440) ii. Ella M.^ Laws, b. Oct. 30, 1879. 

(441) vi. Ezekiel Bronsdon'^ Marsh, b. Sept. 16, 1824, at Fairfield, Me. ; 
m.jn Boston, Apr. 2, 1848, Margaret A. Symonds; d. Apr. 28, 
1851, at the age of 26 yrs. 7 mos., of pneumonia, at Millbury, 
Mass. See below. 




(299) SARAH CURTIS BRONSDON'* 
m. CAPT. THOMAS H. MARSH. 



BRONSDON FAMILY. 121 



Child: 

(4-1:2) i. Caroline A. B.' ]\Iars/i, h. Nov. 1, 1849; m. Aug. 
31, 18G9, H. M. Ilicliarclson, and has one 

child : 

(443) i. Cafhrrine^ Ilichardso/i,h. ^o\r. o,lS7G, at Mont- 
pelier, Yt. 



Biography of (299) Mrs. Sarah C. (Bronsdon) Marsh. 
[By one of her descendants.] 

Sarah Curtis Bronsdon, born in Milton, Mass., Feb. 24, 1783, died in 
Hartland, Me., Feb. 24, 1855. She was married, Nov. 29, 1814, becoming 
the second wife of Captain Thomas Hartshorne jMarsh. 

At an early age she became a member of her Aunt Sarah (Bronsdon) 
Curtis' family, and resided in Pitts Court, now Pitts Street, and attended 
school at Mrs. Eawson's, the finest scliool in the Town of Boston for young 
ladies. 

When Louis Philippe, with his wife and sister, were in this cou'ntry, 
his wife taught ladies how to make gloves. Miss Bronsdon Avas one of her 
pupils. 

Having made the acquaintance of the family of the ]5ritish Consul, 
they became much attached to her, and gave her an invitation, which she 
accepted, to travel with them (the Consul and his wife) from Salem to 
Norristown, Pa., near Philadelphia, visiting points made historic in the 
Revolutionary War. She returned with them, making a round trip which 
covered some three months' time. 

About this time a friend of the Consul, an artist visiting this country, 
painted two portraits of Miss Bronsdon. One of them is a cherished heir- 
loom in the family, and a copy is presented in this book. She was noted 
for her fine personal appearance, her dignified and pleasing manner. Her 
description of her journey was extremely interesting, as was also her rela- 
tion of events of her girlhood. She remembered well the spot where the 
rope-walks of her great-grandfather, John Box, had been located, a little 
west of Hancock Street. In her childhood she picked huckleberries in the 
vicinity of the rope-walks on Beacon Hill, or sat upon the hill-top and 
watched the vessels sailing in the harbor. 

In the Autumn of 1818, with her husband and two children, she 
left the old Marsh homestead in Danvers and moved to Waterville, 
Maine. In 1820 they went to Fairfield, and in the early winter of 1829 
they again removed to Hartland, Maine, which became their permanent 
home. 



19-? PART I. ' 

Captain Thomas H. INIarsh. 
[Comi)ilo.l from the Marsh Genealogy.] 

Capt. Thoiuas H. Marsh, who married Sarah Curtis Bronsdon, received 
his commission as Captain from Gov. Strong in the War of 1812. Previous 
to 1810 he had commanded a ^Militia company in Danvers. Gov. Strong 
directed liim to organize a volunteer company to be used as " Minute Men," 
wliich he did, and this body of disciplined soldiers was held in readiness for 
immediate service until the close of the War, in 1815. (The removal of the 
family to Elaine has been noted in the Biography of Mrs. Marsh.) He 
resided for 40 years and 10 months in Hartland, Maine. 

In the Autiunn of IS.'iO he met with a severe accident, in which he had 
five ribs broken, and he had scarcely recovered when he had a shock, in 
consequence of exposure to extremely cold weather. His strong constitution 
enabled him to surmount even that illness, and he was restored to a com- 
fortable state of health. His mind did not suffer with his body, but he 
retained his faculties to the end of his life. He was an affectionate husband 
and parent. 

(441) EzEKiEi. Bronsdon Marsh. 

Col. Marsh has written the following biography of his brother Ezekiel, 
which was published originally in the Marsh Genealogy : 

Ezekiel Bronsdon .Marsh, a graduate of Hartland Academy (Maine), 
came to Boston and entered the employ of the Boston & Albany K.R. He, 
with one other person, kept the books, made out the bills, and received the 
money for the freight ; but soon the other man left his position, and Ezekiel 
did his work in addition to his own. 

When he commenced at the office, the freight amotxnted to about $0000 
per we^, ranging from bills as low as 37^ cents up to large amounts. The 
year of the famine in Ireland, the freight increased to over 1^25,000 a week. 

Ezekiel continued to do all this work alone. About 10 to 10.30 P. M. 
he would receive the invoices of the freight wdiich was to reach the depot 
during the night. He remained at the office until he had recorded all these 
invoices and made out the bills ready for the morning. He usually reached 
his rooms at any time between 12.30 and 2 o'clock A.M. At 7 o'clock A.M. 
he was back in his office, ready to receive the money for the bills as the 
freight was delivered. 

The President of the road called the attention of the Board of Directors 
to the great increase of freight, and the still increasing amount, and also to 
the fact that they had two book-keepers for that department Avhen the 
freight was only one-quarter as great ; and he said that he feared they were 
overworking their present book-keeper and cashier, and suggested that 
another party be added. A well-known merchant, one of the Directors, 



BUONSDUN FAMILY. 123 



made this inquiry : " Is thv work now done satisfactorily '.'" An affirmative 
reply was given. The well-known merchant then said: " j\lr. rresi<lent, 
corporations have no souls ; as long as young ]\Iarsh can do the work satis- 
factorily, let him do it." 

The result was, that Ezekiel's health soon broke down. Tie Avas tlien 
given the " Millbury IJranch '' to take care of, and also liad charge of making 
purchases of wood for the corporation ; and being exposed to a severe snow- 
storm, in getting his cars through when they had become blockaded by snow, 
he took a severe cold which ended in pneumonia. He died, and on exami- 
nation, it was found that his left lung had grown to his ribs, as a result of 
overwork at his desk. 

EzekieFs fate should prove a warning to corporations, as well as to 
individuals. Ezekiel was very obliging and amiable, and very popular, and 
he allowed himself to be Avorked to death. 



(434) CoL. Lucius Bolles" Marsh* (Sarah C.^ Johx Box*, Bant^, 

Ben J. 2, FvOF.T.1). 

(434) Lucius Bolles^ Marsh Avas b. at the Old Marsh Homestead, 
Danvers, Mass., Apr. 18, 1818, and was son of Capt. Thomas Hartshorne 
Marsh and (299) Sarah Curtis (Bronsdon) ; m. July 5, 1842, Caroline 
Elizabeth Mann, who was b. in Boston, Mch. 7, 1820, and dau. of John and 
Katie (Harrington) Mann, of Boston. (See Appendix Harrington-lVIann.) 
Mrs. Marsh is of Pilgrim descent, and Col. Marsh is descended from John 
and Susanna (dau. of Rev. Thomas Skelton) Marsh, of Salem, 1633. (See 
"John Marsh of Salem, 1033-1888," by Col. L. B. Marsh; also Appendix.) 
Col. Marsh res. at 6 Columbus Square, Boston. 

Six Children, all but one b. in Boston, the third child in Cambridge : 

(444) i. Lucius KendaW Marsh, b. ]\Iay 28, 1843 ; m. Oct. 2G, 1869, Miss 
Charlotte E. Bates, of Boston, who d. Apr. 12, 1886, leaving 
one daughter : 

(445) i. Charlotte E.^ Marsh, b. Aug. 11, 1870; d. Nov. 
18, 1888, at 6 Columbus Square, Boston. 

]\Ir. L. K. Marsh Avas a non-commissioned officer in the Civil War, Co. 
E, 60th Regt. Mass. Vols., 1864. He has retired from business in Xcav 
York, and res. at 6 Columbus Square. 

(446) ii. John Gould Lorlmf Marsh, b. Feb. 24, 1845; d. Mch. 1, 1845. 

(447) iii. Katie Harr'ingto)i'^ Marsh Avas b. Jan. 27, 1847, in Cambridge, 

Mass.; m. Jan. 7, 1868, George Francis Kimball, b. Jan. 4, 
1844, in Boston. He was a tea merchant. He d. in Brook- 
line, Jan. 29, 1898, of pneumonia. ]\Irs. Kimball res. at 27 
Naples Road, Brookline, Mass. 

* Col. Marsh died Aug. 14, 1901, at his Smnmer residence, Nortli Scituate Beach, Mass. 



124 PART I. 



Children : 



(448) i. Geoi-ge Edward^ Kiinholl, b. Mch. 7, 1869 ; grad- 

uate of Boston University Law School, June, 
1893 ; appointed one of the assistant clerks of 
the Superior Civil Court, June 10, 1895. He 
m., jSTov. 10, 1895, Carolyn N. Newcoinb, b. 
Jan. 24, 1871, at Taunton. Res., 40 Welles 
Avenue, Dorchester. 

(449) ii. Allen^ Klmhall, b. May 20, 1872; m. June 9, 

189C, Charlotte Coulton. Ees. 27 Naples 
Road, Brookline, Mass. He is in the office of 
Claims Department, Elevated Railroad. 

(450) iv. Ellz'thcth Lorinr/' Ifarsh, h. Oct. 25, 18A9. Res. with her parents, 

6 Columbus Square, Boston, Mass. 

(451) V. William Harrington Mann' Marsh, b. in Boston, Apr. 29, 1851; 

m. Apr. 4, 1880, Miss Marianna Harris, b. Sept. 14, , 

dan. of Hon. John F. and Anne Ashton (Brown) Harris, late 
of ^larblehead. Res. Cordelia Street, Boonton, New Jersey. 

Four Children, all b. in New York City : 

(452) i. Anna Barris' Marsh, b. Feb. 22, 1881. 

(453) ii. Caroline Elizabeth' Marsh, b. July 3, 1882. 

(454) iii. Bele7ie Alicia^ Marsh, b. Oct. 19, 1888. 

(455) iv. William. Harrington Mann^ Marsh, Jr., b. Feb. 

20, 1887 ; d. July 28, 1897, aged 10 yrs. 

(45G) vi. Caroline Bronsdon'' Marsh, h. in Boston, May 15, 1858; m. Apr. 
18, 1877, John Franklin Harris, son of Hon. J. F. and Anne 
Ashton (Brown) Harris, late of Marblehead. (His sister m. 
Mr. W. H. M. Marsh.) They have one child: 

(457) i. Richard Brown Harris, b. in Boston, Feb. 23, 
1878 ; graduate at Andover and Harvard, 
Class 1899 ; Harvard Law School, Class 1902. 

Mr. J. F. Harris, who for several years manufactured the well-known 
" Harris Shoes," has now retired from business. 



(434) CoL. Lucius Bolles Marsh. 

A few years ago Mr. Creighton W. Parker, grandson of Phineas Brons- 
don®, inquired of Col. Marsh concerning the Bronsdon ancestry, the excuse 
for this being that Col. Marsh was one of the oldest surviving representa- 
tives of the family, and was known to be a practical genealogist. Col. 
Marsh contributed much information in a general way, and, by a little 
research, tradition in many instances was found to be supported by definite 
and recorded facts. 




/S ^A^ c^ /^/? ^^ e-^i^ x^_ /^(^ c^?-5 Ar . / ^ !? ^- 



BRONSDON FAMFLY. 1 '2') 



Just at this period oecuiTcd two events wliich, as now appears, liad 
an important bearing on this Avork. One was, that ('ol. Marsli obtained a 
rare pamphlet by the bite Kdmund .1. liaker, in which was embodied the 
history of Richard Baker, of Dorchester, 1635, and inchiikMl his Hncal 
descendants, of whom one was Cob jNIarsli's maternal gramlmother, Mrs. 
John Box Bronsdon, late of ]Milton, Mass. The other was tlie discovery of 
family papers relating to John Box, the maternal grandfather of John \^ox 
Bronsdon and the founder of the Box family. 

In the meantime, i\Ir. and Mrs. Parker were engaged in tracing the 
Bronsdon history, aided by the recollections of their mother, Mrs. ^Margaret 
(Bronsdon) Parker. Mrs. Creighton Parker, who delights in antiquarian 
research, made some interesting discoveries among the old records in Boston 
and communicated them to Cob Marsh, who was endeavoring to reduce his 
accumulation of records and historical matter to some sort of order, think- 
ing that possibly he might print a small pamphlet of a few pages, which 
would serve to rescue the knowledge of the Bronsdon ancestry from oblivion. 

At that time his health failed somewhat. He then delegated his work 
to Mrs. Parker, who took up the task with enthusiasm. You are all familiar 
with her through correspondence. Material sufficient for a comprehensive 
history of Robert Bronsdon's descendants was accumulated; then came the 
crucial test, to see if it was wanted by our kinspeople. An encouraging 
number of subscribers was obtained, and it now seems probable the under- 
taking will be carried to a happy culmination. 

Col. Marsh prepared an autobiography for the Marsh Genealogy 
published by him, and, at our request, he has permitted us to copy it for 
this book, and has made some additions Avhich renders the history of still 
greater interest. 

Col. Marsh was Presidential Elector in 1856 for the Fifth District of 
IMassachusetts, and received 183,000 votes, the largest State vote up to that 
time. After his retirement from business, he traveled in Europe Avith his 
family. He is now in his 84th year. The portrait in this book was taken 
when he was 80 years old. A fine portrait of him is to be found in the 
.Marsh Genealogy, also, representing him when much younger. His interest 
in, aud services in behalf of, the Bronsdon and Box Family Histories, entitle 
him to the gratitude of all our kinsfolk. 

The story of his life is a deeply interesting one, and typical of our New 
England race. 

His Earli/ Youth. 

Lucius B. Marsh remembers back to a time a little before he was 4 years 
old, when he used to follow his Grandfather :Marsh about the farm and hold 
long conversations with him. He recollects sitting by his bedside when he 
died, Sept. 22, 1822. 



126 PART I. 

As Lucius grew older, he attended the district school some two months 
in Summer and°the same in Winter, until he was 11 years old, and worked 
on his father's farm when school did not keep. 

When he was but 10 years old, he drove an ox team into the woods, and 
hauled the year's supply of wood for the house, and cut most of it ready for 

the fire. 

At 11 years, his father and brother being at that time in Hartland, Me., 
preparing for the removal of the family thither in the early Winter, Lucius 
ploughed and prepared the ground, planted the corn and potatoes, gathered 
the c'l-ops, and with the help of his little brother, then 5 years old, he carried 
a load of apples to a cider mill and, without assistance, returned home with 
a barrel of cider, which he had made during the day. 

He went from Fairfield, Me., with the family, to live in Hartland, Me., 
December, 1829. He worked in the woods that Winter, and on the farm in 
the Spring. The land liad recently been cleared and burned over, and the 
potatoes and corn had to be planted amongst the roots of the trees and ashes 
of the burnt logs. 

In July, 1830, Lucius, at the age of 12, with his brother Thomas, two 
and one-half years his senior, came with a horse and a herd of cattle from 
Hartland to Milton, Mass., two himdred and thirty miles, occupying nine 
days, including the Sabbath, which day they rested. Lucius carried the 
money and made all the bargains. He expected to remain, and to obtain an 
education in the vicinity of Boston ; but his father became disabled by a 
stroke of palsy, and thus Lucius was obliged to begin to earn his own living, 
and to assist his parents, also. 



Religious History. 

At the age of 4 years Lucius Marsh, the child, learned to read. In a 
few days at school he learned the alphabet and, at once, was taught to put 
the letters into words, and this was his first lesson: "Let no man put off 
the law of God." That first reading lesson, fully impressed upon his mem- 
ory, followed by the teachings- of a Christian mother, and the moral and 
religious training of a pious father, no doubt saved him from many of the 
errors of youth. 

In 1831, at the age of 13, he was baptized by Rev. Daniel Sharp, D.D., 
after having been closely questioned in the church meeting, by the deacons 
and others, as to the nature of his hope and the reasons therefor. 

In 1833 he became a teacher in the Sunday School, gathering his scholars 
mostly from the streets, and from that time until he was 50 years old, he 
was either a teacher in, or Superintendent of, the Charles Street Baptist 
Sabbath School, in Boston. 



BRONSDON FAMILY. 127 



Itiis u/i'ss I list or I/. 

In the early Spring of 1832, Liicins ]>. Marsli entered tlie bookstore at 
No. 47 Cornhill, known as tlie "Sabbath Scliool Depository." He remained 
about fifteen months. He acquired, first, a general knowledge of the books 
and how to bring them to the notice of customers. Committees would 
frequently delegate to him the task of selecting books for libraries. 

He kept the sales and cash books, and as there was a decided increase 
over the previous year's sales, the agent appeared well satisfied. In April, 
1833, a new agent was appointed. Young JNIarsh had intended to remain 
there onl}^ until some better business opportunity should oft'er. lie accord- 
ingly engaged to go with Gushing, White & Co., importers of woolen goods. 
The new agent stated that he would not have accepted tlie appointment, 
except with the understanding that young Marsh was to remain. As he 
was hired by the week, the agent had no claim. However, at his desire, 
Marsh agreed to remain until May first. At that time commenced his busi- 
ness for life as a merchant, ''only as a boy, it is true." 

At the end of that year, it appeared that he and one other boy had done 
all such work in the store as receiving, opening, examining and placing the 
goods in position for selling, and had packed all goods that had been sold, 
carried out and delivered all goods sold to Boston customers, and young 
Marsh himself had sold goods amounting to over $75,000, which was more 
than any other one in the store, excepting a member of the firm. His salary 
for that year was to have been $50. They made it $75. 

In 1839, the firm of Cushing, White & Co. having been dissolved, on 
account of severe losses in the crash of 1837, Mr. Cushing invited young 
IVLarsh, then 21 years old, to become associated with him in the firm of 
Cushing, Marsh & Co. ; but, in a few months. Marsh deemed it for his own 
best interests to retire. This was in the Autumn of 1840, and for a short 
time he was with Dean, Bradstreet & Co. 

In 1842 he engaged as salesman with the firm of A. & G. A. Kendall 
& Co., who were in the same business that Cushing, White & Co. had been. 
He commenced in February, 1843. From time to time the older partners 
retired ; one, Mr. Geo. A. Kendall, died ; and, in 1846, Mr. Marsh became a 
partner, the style of the firm changing until it was " Whitwell, JNIarsh & 
Talbot," and, finally, "Marsh, Talbot & Wilmarth." Their place of busi- 
ness was at No. 67 Franklin Street, Boston. Mr. Marsh retired from business 
Dec. 31, 1870. 

Mil'darii History/. 

At the age of 18 years, in accordance with the then laws of the State, 
in 1836, he became a member of the •' Boston Independent Fusileers." In 
1837, that company and five other companies had been formed into regi- 



128 PAKT I. 

mental line on Boston Common, when an Irish company, " Montgomery 
Guards," was also about to come into line. These six companies, and also 
part of another company, then left the Hne, and also left the Common. The 
six companies were marched off under the orders of their orderly sergeants. 
Young Marsh, stepping one pace to the front and allowing his company to 
march past him, remained alone in the line that had been occupied by six 
companies. There were two men on guard, who, on being relieved from 
guard, formed in line on the left of young Marsh. Then these three men 
were marched in review in column as a company, after which, at noon, they 
were dismissed by the Colonel. These companies were all disbanded. 

In 1838 one of the disbanded companies, " City Guards," desired to be 
reinstated, or to obtain a new charter. They were told that, if they could 
obtain the signature of that young man who remained at his post, Sept. 17, 
1837, they, ''the Governor and Council, would consider the petition." This 
signature was obtained, and young Marsh became a member of the new 
company, City Guards. In 1841 he was made First Lieutenant of the 
Washington Phalanx. In 1842, at the close of the year, having served all 
of the time required by the laws of the Commonwealth, he resigned his 
commission. He was immediately chosen Major of the regiment, but did 
not accept. 

In 18G1, when the Civil War broke out, some two hundred persons 
called upon him, desiring that he would organize and take command of a 
battalion of Home Guards ; and shortly after, a battalion of Home Guards, 
already organized, requested that he become their commander. He organ- 
ized and commanded the first-named battalion, and accepted of the second 
offer, also, and was thus in command of two different battalions, which 
occupied his time during four or five evenings a week, instruction and drill- 
ing being done then, and in the long days, late in the afternoons, on the 
Common. 

In 18G2, after the severe defeat of the United States forces in July, in 
the Seven Days' fight, Massachusetts called for nine months men. The 
Government was sorely pressed and in great peril. In that dark hour, Mr. 
Marsh left his family of wife and five children and his business, and recruited 
the Mass. 47th llegiment for nine months. This regiment was called, while 
recruiting, the Merchant Guard. It is thought that Col. Marsh was the 
only merchant to command a ]Massachusetts regiment. 

He had, previous to that time, spent several years in solid study of 
everything appertaining to military matters, and concerning the care of 
troops. The knowledge he possessed of the care, drill and field movements 
of European armies, and of various branches of the service, gave him con- 
fidence in his ability to care for and instruct his officers and men, and for 
the performance of any duties likely to be assigned to him. 



BRONSDON FAMILY. 129 



The regiment was completed in about six weeks. He was chosen 
Colonel, Oct. 30th, 1802, and, with his staff, was mustered into the United 
States service Nov. 7 ; was ordered to New York, and left Massachusetts on 
Nov. 30th. 

He assumed command of the U. S. forces, then at East New York, early 
in December, and which comprised the following, viz. : 47th, 49th, 50th and 
53d IVlass. Regts., 175th N. Y. and 25th N. Y. Battery. 

About Dec. 19th he was ordered to command a portion of Gen. Banks' 
secret expedition, and sailed in the steamship " IMississippi " out of New 
York on Dec. 22, 1862, at 4 P.M. 

His orders were, " Thirty-eight hours directly out to sea ; " then first 
seal broken. "Three days' sailing towards the Gulf;" second seal broken. 
'' Go to Ship Island." Dec. 30th, arrived at Ship Island and found orders 
to sail to New Orleans. 

A brief history of the command in New Orleans is given by the Adju- 
tant General in his report for 1863, and this was condensed by the Rev. Dr. 
Marsh, of Amherst, in his speech at a gathering of the Marsh Family, when 
Col. INIarsh was also present. Dr. Marsh spoke as follows : 

" The 47th Regt. was recruited chiefly by Lucius B. Marsh, Esq., a well- 
known and respected merchant of Boston, and commanded by him. This 
regiment was a part of Gen. Banks' secret expedition, and with other troops, 
also under Col. Marsh, left New York on Dec. 22, 1862, under sealed orders. 

''After commanding certain posts in defence of New Orleans, La., the 
Colonel was ordered, on the 19th day of May, by Gen. Sherman, to go to 
Camp Parapet, the chief defence, and to assume command of the U. S. forces 
stationed there, consisting of portions of the 12th Maine, 4tli Wisconsin, 
128th New York, 15th New Hampshire, 26th Connecticut, 6th ^Michigan and 
12tli Massachusetts Batteries, Cos. B and C, First Regt., H. A. N. Native 
Guards, two companies 42d Massachusetts, two companies Metropolitan 
Cavalry, and also, temporarily, the 1st Texas Cavalry and 1st Regt. Engi- 
neers, Native Guards. 

" The Colonel recruited a company of colored men to be used in the 
swamps, and which became the nucleus of the Ind. Regt. of Engineers. 

"The line of defences was about thirty miles. The immediate defences 
consisted of the Parapet, two and one-half miles long, situated on the east 
side of the river, running from the INIississippi to the swamps and Lake 
Pontchartrain, and, on the west side of the river, Fort Banks; there was 
also a canal and military road to be guarded and scouted for a distance of 
twelve to seventeen miles through the swamps to the lakes. 

" With a large force of Confederates in front of these defences, this 
important post was held under peculiar circumstances during the siege of 
Port Hudson, and New Orleans was eifectively defended. 

" Gen. Sherman made particular mention of the 47th Regt., and of its 
Colonel, for 'marked ability,' and Gen. Banks was 'certain that these 
arduous sacrifices and honorable triumphs would not be forgotten by the 
country and the Government they had helped to preserve.' " 



130 PAIiT I. 



Services to the State in 1861. 

On the 28th of April, 1861, the Quartermaster-General of Massachusetts 
came into Mr. Marsh's office to make inquiries as to who manufactured mili- 
tary equipments. He was told that the Adjutant-General, or the Quarter- 
master-General, at Washington, could give him full particulars. 

He then said : " We have just received this telegram from Washington : 
' We have no equipments ; cannot inform you who makes them.' " 

Mr. Marsh remarked : '' This is passing strange ; however, Colt and 
Sharj), of Hartford, will know." 

At the request of the Quartermaster-General, Mr. Marsh went the next 
day to Hartford ; saw Colt; purchased 1200 revolvers for $11 apiece, less 
10 per cent, (they were selling in Boston for $15). Saw Sharp. He stated 
that Mr. Gaylord, of Chicopee, Mass., was a large manufacturer of equip- 
ments for the United States Government, and also for the South, and he 
had made a contract for 200 Sharp's rifles each week, at $28, less 10 per 
cent., contract to be ratified by the Governor and Coimcil, and to be con- 
tinued so long as the State desired. He had none on hand, having sold the 
last 6000 to Fremont's agents to be shipped to St. Louis, and had also sold 
largely to the South. 

Mr. Marsh lost no time in getting to Chicopee, arriving there in the 
evening. Saw Mr. Gaylord, who informed him that he could make 1000 
sets a week, and that he had a contract Avith the United States for 500 sets 
weekly. His price was $4.00 per set. 

Mr. Mai'sh asked : " Will you make 10,000 sets for Massachusetts at 
$4.00, less 10 per cent.?" 

He replied that the discount must be confidential, as it was in the case 
of the United States Government. 

The next morning Mr. Marsh reported to the Governor's Council. 

The contract for the 10,000 sets of equipments was confirmed, and they 
were divided among some four States, whose troops Avere waiting for equip- 
ments and arms, viz. : New Hampshire, Ohio, Illinois and Indiana, besides 
2000 for Massachusetts regiments. The contract for Sharp's rifles was not 
promptly confirmed. 

After a week or so, Mr. Marsh was directed by the Council to write to 
Mr. Sharp. The result was, that after waiting the time agreed upon. Sharp 
had taken a contract for all he could make (300 a week) for an indefinite 
period, at $36, without any discount. 

There were some 5000 Wilson rifles made in Vermont ; they were a 
short, strong and heavy rifle, similar to the Harper's Ferry rifle, that had 
been seized going South ; they had no bayonets, and no attachments for 
using the same. 



BRONSDON FAMILY. -[^1 



Mr. ]\[arsh constructed a steel arrangement which was put on tliese 
rifles, and contracted for 5000 sabre bayonets, and they jiroved a very effect- 
ive weapon. 

It Avas found tliat nearly all the Springfield rifles, as \vell as the light 
artillery cannon, had been sent South. The North was destitute of cannon 
and rifles. 

There were the Springfield smooth-bore muskets of (U-lOO calibi'e ; some 
of them had been rifled by the Government, but they recoiled so heavily as 
to be considered unsafe, and therefore unfit for service. 

]\Ir. Marsh had one of these muskets rifled witli less than a two-thirds 
twist, and the grooving made very light, sufficient only to give enough twist 
to the ammunition to conduct the ball straight to the mark. He made an 
experiment, and succeeded in firing the ball through a ten-inch solid i)iece 
of timber. He spoke of his success in this matter at the State House. 

In the Summer of 1861, three men called at his office, bearing a letter 
from Governor Andrew, who introduced them as a committee sent l)y the 
Governors of Ohio and Illinois, and perhaps Indiana. They were in pursuit 
of rifles for the soldiers of their States, and the Governor had suggested 
that Mr. Marsh might be able to give them important information. 

He showed the Springfield musket, which was in his oftice, to them, 
and they immediately said : " 0, we can get enough of those smooth-bore 
muskets ! Our soldiers will not take them." He then showed them the 
nature of the rifling, its depth, the nature of its twist, which differed mate- 
rially from the Government process that had been pronounced a failure. 
He told them, moreover, that there was ample aunnunition in the arsenals, 
made when it Avas expected that the Government rifling would be a success. 
Having given these gentlemen in writing an account of his process of 
rifling the muskets, they immediately went to Cincinnati, Ohio, and employed 
a large steam-engine manufacturer to make the alterations, and the Spring- 
field musket was made not only satisfactory to the soldiers of the West, but 
also one of the most reliable and powerful rifles in the service. When a 
portion of the 4th Wisconsin Regt. was under his command at New Orleans, 
Col. Marsh noticed that they were armed with those rifles. 

At the close of the year 1861, the Governor and Council desired to pay 
Mr. INIarsh for his services, to which he replied : " I cannot afford to receive 
pay. I only wish I could have been of greater service. I feel that the 
Government has a claim for every service I can render. Had my business 
permitted, I should have felt it my duty to have been in active service in 
the field ; and, if need be, I hold myself ready to leave my business and 
family when that time comes. Having military education and experience, 
you may rely upon me for active military service." 

The Governor and Council passed the following vote of thanks : 



132 PART I. 

Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 
Executive Department. 
Council Chamber. 

Boston, Nov. 8, 1861. 

Ordered : That the thanks of the Executive Branch of the Govern- 
ment of Massachusetts be tendered to Lucius B. Marsh for his very valuable 
services to the State in the procurement of Arms and Military Equipments. 
These services were rendered as a patriotic duty to the country, and wholly 
without compensation, and entitle him to the gratitude of the State and to 
that of every loyal citizen. 

And it is further ordered, that this generous action of Mr. Marsh be 
recorded upon the Books of this Council, and that a copy of the record be 
transmitted to him. 

Adopted. 

Secretary's Department, 

Boston, Feh. 28, 1888. 
A true copy. 

Henry B. Pierce, 

Secretary of the Commonwealth. 

Compliments of 

Henry B. Pierce, 

Secretary of the Commonwealth. 



Additional Reminiscences nf "War Tljnes." 

[By Col. Marsh.] 

[Notes and Reminiscences while in the Army, written for the Bronsdon Genealogy.] 

Nov. 7, at 12.20 P.M., the field officers and most of the staff officers, 
with the Colonel of the 47th Mass. Kegt., met at the State House, Boston, 
and were mustered into the United States service. The day was a very 
stormy one, the wind blew a gale, and the snow came fierce and fast. The 
officers were to dine with the Colonel (Lucius B. Marsh), and were in the 
act of sitting down at table when the door-bell rang furiously. A messenger 
had arrived with orders that the Colonel should at once proceed to the camp 
at Boxford and assume command, and hold an election of field officers for 
the 50th Regt. When he arrived at camp, thirteen inches of snow had 
fallen, and it was still storming, and the wind was terrific. The tents were 
empty, and only the cold, bare ground for the men to lie upon. Hay was 
expected to have been supj^lied that morning, but, on account of the storm, 
it had not arrived, the parties declining to deliver it until the weather 
cleared up. It was then dusk, and in the blinding snow-storm the Colonel 
sent three of his Captains to demand the imijiediate delivery of that hay ; 



BRONSDON FAMILY. 133 



if necessary, they were ordered to yoke the oxen and bring the load of hay 
to camp. This proved effectual, and the hay was utilized at once by being 
placed in the tents. 

The election of Colonel, Lieut. Colonel and Major was then held, but 
less than ten officers took part, all the others being absent from camp. On 
reporting at the State House, orders were received to move the regiment 
from Boxford to Readville on Sunday (the day but one following). The 
Quartermaster of Massachusetts promised that the barracks should be in 
good order, and each one provided with stove and fuel, ready for a fire ; 
also, that ten days' rations should be in readiness at the commissary depart- 
ment at the barracks. The snow-storm changed into a severe rain-storm. 
Sunday morning, before daylight, the Colonel started for Boxford ; but just 
previous to leaving his residence at 54 Temple Street, Boston, he despatched 
a letter to the Honorable Mayor Whitman, informing him that he was about 
to move his regiment, and should reach the Maine Depot at about one o'clock 
P.M., and made a request for refreshments, with hot coffee. His messenger 
was a policeman, who said the Mayor should have the letter without delay. 

At one o'clock the regiment arrived at the Maine Depot, wet and cold. 
Four companies had no overcoats. Mayor Whitman was on hand. The 
depot was not then open to the public on Sundays, and advantage had been 
taken of this and tables set for the men. These tables were choicely and 
abundantly supplied with the best of food, sent from the Tremont House, 
American House, Revere House, and one or two others of the best city 
hotels. This abundance was supplemented by hot coffee for the thousand 
men there present. Mayor Whitman made a report of what he had done 
since he received the Colonel's letter at 7 o'clock that morning. The three 
days of storm had resulted in alight patronage of hotel guests, consequently 
the overstock of food was cheerfully donated. The Mayor opened the 
Market House and took out ten barrels of provisions and a supply of cheese. 
The regiment had all the time which was desired to do justice to the bounti- 
ful supplies, which they owed to His Honor the Mayor's timely efforts. 

When leaving Boxford, the Colonel had requested the United States 
Quartermaster to furnish the regiment with one day's ration, which he 
declined to do, on the plea that it was only a few hours' journey to Read- 
ville, where everything would be provided. The Colonel claimed his right 
of one day's ration for his regiment, stating that it was no business of the 
Quartermaster's in regard to their destination. As there was still some 
demur, the Colonel had finally to say, in language not to be misunderstood, 
that in case of further refusal, he should give orders to his Quartermaster 
and Commissary Sergeant to take the rations by force. The following will 
show how important this one day's ration became ; for when, after having 
marched from the Maine depot to the Providence depot through a heavy 



134 PART 1. 

rain and wind, the streets full of snow and water, the regiment arrived at 
Readville late in the afternoon, no stores, no wood in the barracks, and, 
worse than all, no ten days' rations, as promised on Saturday, were there. 
The Quartermaster-General of Massachusetts said that he was unable to find 
anyone who was willing to convey the stores to Readville, on account of the 
severity of the weather on Saturday and Sunday, and they did not reach 
there until Monday afternoon at 4 o'clock. Thus it becomes apparent, had 
not the Colonel known his rights and insisted upon them, and actually 
threatened the , Quartermaster, who was a Captain in the United States 
Army, in order to obtain that one day's ration, the regiment would not only 
have suffered from the want of food, but, wet and cold as they were, would 
have become disappointed and demoralized. The regiment afterward passed 
through many tight places, and many times their Colonel had to face officers 
of high and low rank in their behalf, and he was never known to come out 
second best. He took his regiment from Massachusetts and brought it back, 
and saw to the proper mustering out and payment of each man in all the 
companies. The regiment never lost a ration during the whole time it was 
in the United States service. 



(435) Sarah Curtis Bronsdon^ Marsh (Sarah C.^ John'^Box^, Bant^, 

Benj.'-, Robt.^). 

Third child of (299) Sarah Curtis (Bronsdon) and Thomas H. Marsh ; 
was b. at AYaterville, Me., Sept. 7, 1819 ; m. in Boston, May 7, 1843, Samuel 
Barber Howard ; he b. in Madison, N.Y., Sept. 16, 1814. She d. in Revere, 
Mass., July 24, 1887. He d. in Boston, June 2, 1890. 

The above were m. in Grace P. E. Church, Boston, by the Rev. Thomas 
M. Clark, now Presiding Bishop of the P. E. Church in the United States. 

Children : 

(458) i. Francis. Samuel^ Hcmutrd, b. in Boston, Mar. 25, 1845 ; m. Mary 

J. Smith. Res. at Beachmont. See below. 

(459) ii. Thomas Henri/ Howard, b. in Cambridge, June 1, 1846 ; d. Oct. 

2:5, 1846. 

(460) iii. Thnmas Hartshorne^ Howard, b. in Boston, Oct. 3, 1847. Res. 

in Boston. See below. 

(461) iv. Charles Adin^ Howard, b. in Roxbury, Jan. 1, 1854 ; d. in Boston, 

May 24, 1862. He was a child of unusual promise. 

The following tribute to the mother of these children has been prepared 
for this book by one of the sons : 

" The surviving sons count it a sacred duty to bear witness to the self- 
sacrificing devotion of a loving, faithful mother. Her sphere of activity 
was the home, which she sanctified by a God-fearing life, and used every 



BRONSDON FAMILY. 135 



endeavor to instil such principles into the hearts and minds of her children. 
After she had been called to the presence of her dearly-loved Saviour, her 
former pastors wrote of her as an example of the j,'odly-minded ; her cliil- 
dren call her blessed, and look forward to that day when partings shall be 
nomore."— T. H. H. 

(458) Francis Samuel" Howard was b. Mar. 25, 1845 ; m. Apr. 17, 1874, 
Miss Mary J. Smith of Boston, and soon after went to Beaehniont, a part of 
the town of Revere, Mass. For more than thirty years he has been con- 
nected with the printing house of Smith & Porter, now the Thomas 1*. Smith 
Printing Co. He belongs to the United Order of the Golden Cross, May- 
flower Commandery of Revere, Eagle Lodge, 106, Eagle Commandery, Ko. 8, 
Knights of Pythias of Revere. He was elected to the School Committee of 
Revere, and Avas chairman in 1899. 

(459) Thomas Hartshorne Howard, brother of the above, was b. Oct. 
3, 1847. He belongs to the Brotherhood of St. Andrew, 38 Chambers Street, 
Boston. This society is engaged in Christian and philanthropic work. Mr. 
Howard served under the Rev. Phillips Brooks, and is the longest of any 
employe in the service of Trinity Church. 



136 PART I. 



(300) Elizabeth Box Bronsdon^, clau. of John Box Bronsdon (282) 

(John Box^, Bant^, Benj.-, Kobt.^). 

(300) Elizabeth Box Bronsdon^, sixth child of John Box Bronsdon, 
of Milton, Mass., was b. Nov. 7, 1784, and d. in Boston, May 30, 18(38. She 
was named for her father's mother. She m. May SO, 1819, John Gould 
LoRiNG, coppersmith, who was b. at Hull, Mass., Apr. 5, 1788 (see Loring 
Family in A])pendix), and d. in Boston, Jan. 22, 1853. 

Children, three in number, b. in Boston, were : 

(462) i. Elizabeth Box^ Lorlnr/, b. on Pitts Street, Jan. 31, 1823 ; m. Aug. 

10, 1848, Benjamin Stone Codman, who was b. Feb. 22, 1816, 
and d. Feb. 20, 1894. No children. ]\Ir. Codman, for many 
years senior member of the firm of Codman & Shurtleff, 13 
Tremont Street, was a graduate of Harvard Medical College. 
Mr. and Mrs. Codman are buried at Mount Auburn Cemetery. 

(463) ii. John GnuW Lorhuj, Jr., b. Feb. 25, 1825; d. Oct. 20, 1873, in 

Boston, unmarried, at the age of 48. Mr. Loring fitted for 
college at New Hampton Academy, graduated at Brown Uni- 
versity, studied law at Harvard College. He was a man of 
fine scholarly attainments, but his health was unequal to the 
practice of his profession. 

(464) iii. Mtirtha Jane^ Loring, b. at 9 'Causeway Street, Boston, Mar. 1, 

1827 ; m. George Allen Potter, May 22, 1856, who was b. in 
Salem, Oct. 27, 1825, and was son of Jesse and Susan (Punch- 
ard) Potter (the Punchards were an Ipswich family), and d. 
in Brooklyn, N. Y., July 4, 1889. Mrs. Potter had d. in 
Brooklyn, Aug. 15, 1887. 

Children : 

(465) i. EUzahi'th Lorlmf F otter, b. in Boston, May 16, 

1859. 

(466) ii. John LaruKp Potter, b. in Brooklyn, N. Y., Oct. 

21, 1862 \ m. Apr. 23, 1890, Elsie R., dau. of 
James R. Lott, of Brooklyn, N. Y., and had : 

(467) i. Loi-i?uj VanderbiW Potter, b. June 14, 1891 ; d. 

Sept. 7, 1891, and is buried at Greenwood 
Cemetery, New York. 

(468) iii. Martha Georgina'' Potter, b. in Brooklyn, N. Y., 

. Apr. 9, 1864; d. Sept. 22, 1864. Buried at 
Mount Auburn Cemetery. 

(469) iv. George Herbert'' Potter, b. in Brooklyn, N. Y., 

Oct. 25, 1867. Mr. Potter is an accomplished 
musician. He res. in Brooklyn. 



BKONSDON FAMILY. 137 



BlOGKArilY OK jMk.S. LOUING. 

(oOO) Elizabeth (or Betsey, as she was called) was named for her ,l;i and- 
niother, Elizabeth (or Betsey) Box Hronsdon. 

From her earliest childhood she manifested unusual force of (duiracter, 
combined with executive. ability, and this led her to engage in a business 
enterprise in Boston by means of which she accumulated property. Her 
intelligence and good breeding won her many friends. 

When first married to Mr. Loring she resided on Pitts Street, in the 
house adjoining the mansion owned and occupied l)y her father's sister, Mrs. 
Sarah Curtis. Afterward the Lorings removed to 19 Causeway Street, 
having purchased that estate, and they resided there several years, until 
time's changes induced another removal, this time to No. 7 Shawmut Ave- 
nue, and there Mr. Loring died, in 1853. 

His place of business was at the corner of Portland and Merrimac 
Streets in the year 1825. AVhen the mill-pond was filled, he purchased land 
in that locality and erected what was then looked upon as a very large 
building for the accommodation of his business. He made copper pumps,, 
then in universal use, and also manufactured "stills" for distillery uses. 

Mr. Loring was for more than forty years a member of the Christian 
Church, and was a Deacon. He was a true gentleman, kind-hearted and 
benevolent, and esteemed and respected by all. They have few descendants. 

Biography of Captain Potter, 
[Who m. (464) Martha .J. Loring.] 

Capt. Potter was in the China trade. In his youth he went to sea as 
cabin boy, and rose rapidly to the position of first mate of a ship, and then 
captain and part owner of a vessel. He was fortunate in his voyages, and 
brought large profits to the owners. He, with one or two others, built the 
ship " Hotspur." He made some very successful voyages in the " Hotspur,'^ 
which, from its fine sailing qualities, gained a reputation as a remarkably 
stanch vessel. Capt. Potter, retiring from seafaring life, went to Brooklyn^ 
X. Y., to reside, and engaged in business in New York City as an importer 
of wares from China and India. Mrs. Potter made several trips in the 
" Hotspur " Avith her husband. 



138 PART I. 



(30<J; JoHx Bronsdon^ (John Box*, Bant^ Benj.'^ Robt^). 

(302) John BR0NSD0N^ eiglitli child of (282) John Box Bronsdon* and 
Abigail (J>aker), was b. in Milton, Mass., Apr. 9,. 1798 ; m. July 6, 1814, 
Elizabeth, dan. of Samuel and Rachael (Fisher) Holmes, who was b. in 
Stoughton, Dec. 4, 1788. Mr. Bronsdon d. as the result of an accident, 
Feb. 15, 1832, and his widow d. Oct. 5, 1846. 

Cliildren, b. in Milton : 

(470) i. Eliza Bronsdon\ b. Mar. 20, 1815; d. Feb. 10, 1866; single. 

(471) ii. Mary Ann Lillie Bronsdon^, b. June 4, 1817 ; d. Sept. 28, 1887 ; 

single. 
These sisters were much beloved by family and friends. 

(472) iii. Fisher Bronsdon^, d. in infancy. 

(473) iv. John Bronsdon\ Jr., b. , 1819; d. Apr. 17, 1891. He 

m. Emily A. , who is living in Illinois. He took up 

land on a Revolutionary land grant, which he derived from 
John Box Bronsdonl He lived in Warren Township, 111. No 
children but an adopted daughter, who married and went to 
California. 

(474) V. Rebecca Bronsdon\ b. June 23, 1823; m. Jan. 31, 1847, Edwin 

Gay of Stoughton, who was b. Mar. 26, 1809 ; d. May 19, 
1885. She d. May 2, 1890. Mr. and Mrs. Gay had four chil- 
dren. See below. 



Biography of (302) John Bronsdon. 

Mr. John Bronsdon was a farmer in Milton, He always lived on the 
old Bronsdon place. Although he tilled the land, there was nothing of the 
rustic about him. His urbane and polished manner caused friends to remark, 
■"John Bronsdon is a natural-born gentleman." He built the present old 
Bronsdon house in 1814, and sold it later to his brother Phineas, and 
removed next door to a house which his father bought of the Clapps, and 
called the " Joe Tucker place." It was afterwards the property of the 
Holmes family, and now of W. E. C. Eustis of Milton. 

Mr. Bronsdon's death was 'tragic and lamentable. While engaged in 
getting out logs on Blue Hill, a large log rolled over him, killing him 
instantl}'. He was much respected, and a favorite with his townsmen, and 
his death was universally deplored. His widow died in Milton, but his 
children all left town, and he has now no lineal descendants. A grandson 
resides in Stoughton by the name of Gay, and he has inherited the old Box 
family Bible, the history of which follows the names and records of the 
descendants of Mr. Bronsdon. 



BRONSDON FAMILY. 139 



Jolin Bronsdou was supposed to liave been named i'or liis i'atliei-, but 
neither the records nor his grave stone substantiates this. His tomb stone 
bears this inscription : 

Erected 

in memory of 

Mr. Jolni Bro)is<lon 

tohu (lied 

Feb. 15, 1832, 

aged 44- 

"ll'e live hut in tlie midst of deatli, 
No loarrant have we of God\s liaiul 
That He v^ill nut our mortal breath 
At any hour how soon demand. 
The man who lies beneath entombed 
At noon was strono and safe as thou ; 
But ere ^twas evening he was doomed 
''Neath death's relentless hand to 6o!(.'." 

The following sentiment is inscribed on Mrs. Bronsdon's : 

" Cabn on the bosom of thy God 
Fair spirit rest thee now ; 
Erstwliile with us thy footsteps trod, 
His seal was on thy brow. 
Dust to its narrow house beneath, 
Soul to its place on high. 
They that have seen tliy look in death 
No more may fear to die."' 



(474) Rebecca Bronsdon^ (John^ John Box*, Bant^, Benj.-, Robt.^). 

Rebecca Bronsdon'' was the youngest child of John and Elizabeth 
(Holmes) Bronsdon. She became the second wife of Mr. Edwin Gav of 
Stoughton. Mr. Gay was much respected, and their home was very happy. 
Mrs. Gay was an active member of the Methodist Church. In the words 
of a friend, '' Rebecca was born good." There was another inmate of their 
home. Miss Eleanor Buker, who was in all respects treated as a daughter of 
the house. For her history, see the history of Benjamin Bronsdon* (Bant^ 
Benj.-, Robt.^) descendants. 

Mr. and Mrs. Gay, and her sisters, and Miss Buker, are buried in the 
family lot at Evergreen Cemetery, Stoughton. 

Four CliUdven of Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Gay (Rebecca Bronsdon*) : 

(475) i. Emma. Amelia' Gai/, b. Apr. 10, 1848 ; d. Aug. 29, 1850. 

(476) ii. Edwin Bnmsdon' (iaij, b. June 11, 1852; m. Ellen Fisher, who 

was b. Feb. 18, 1849 ; res. in Stoughton. 

One Child : 

(477) i. Eobert Edivln^ Gaij, b. Aug. 5, 1892. 



140 PART 1. 

(478) iii. Eleanor Buker' Gay, b. Feb. 17, 1855 ; m. July 30, 1886, Henry 

F. Bishop, and d. Apr. 17, 1891, without chiklren. 

(479) iv. Elizabeth Box'' Gay, b. Feb. 2, 1858 ; m. Alfred Clarence Holmes 

(second wife) Nov. 11, 1890. 

Children: 

(480) i. Alfred Clarence^ Holmes, b. June 30, 1891. 

(481) ii. Carl Edgar^ Holmes, b. 



The Old Box Bible. 

The history of this precious heir-loom may appropriately follow, as 
the Bible is now the property of the family of Mrs. Rebecca (Bronsdon) 

Gay. 

The Bible was OAvned by ]Mr. John Box of Boston, who was for several 
years Warden of King's Chapel, and whose history, so far as we know it, is 
given in the Box Genealogy, Part II, of this volume.* 

Mr. John Box was born in the year 1697, and as the date accompany- 
ing his name in the Bible is 1718, Ave are to conclude that he bought it, or 
received it as a gift upon coming of age. 

The book is 16^ inches long by 13| inches AAdde, and was printed in 
the year 1708 in London. 

There is a birth record in the book, nearly unintelligible noAv : 

'' Sarah — Born in the year of our Lord, 1711." 

Another entry is : 

" Mr. Box, his Book, 1710." 

BeloAV the name of John Box, <' 1718," is Avritten : 

" This Bible is presented to John Box Bronsdon & Wife 

from their affectionate Sister 
Nov. 11, 1814. Sarah Curtis." 

Another inscription added later is as folloAvs : 

" John Bronsdon's Bible. Given him by his Affectionate Mother 
Abigail Bronsdon, this Book being my free Will and Gift, July the 4th, 
1826." 

Mrs. Rebecca Gay, daughter of John Bronsdon, to Avhom the Bible 
descended, Avrote as folloAvs : 

'' Eleanor B. Bishop, 
From her Mother Mrs. Rebecca (Bronsdon) Gay, 
July 30, 1886." 



* Also see Annals of King's Chapel by Foote. 



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BRt)NSDON FAMILY. 141 



On the death of Mrs. Bishop, without chihlren, the I'ible was restored 
to the Gay family, being now in the care of Mr. E. Bronsdon Gay of 
Stoughton. 

It came to Mrs Sarah Curtis, who presented it to John I^ox Bronsdon, 
in 1814, from Mrs. Deborah Box, widow of John Box, Jr. Mrs. Box died 
in 1814, and her niece, Mrs. Curtis, settled her small property, and it was 
doubtless her request that the namesake of John Box sliould become owner 
of the Bible. The Inventory of Mrs. Deborah Box mentions one old Bible. 



142 PART I. 



(303) Phinehas Bkonsdon^ (John Box*, Bant^, Benj.^, Robt.^). 

(303) Phinehas Broxsdon was the ninth child of (282) John Box 
Bronsdon atid Rachel, his wife, and was b. Apr. 6, 1790, in Milton, Mass. ; 
m. Feb. 7, 1817, Mrs. Rachel (Marston) Lee of Gloucester. Phinehas 
Bronsdon d. Dec. 28, 1861, aged 71 years, and his wife d. July 1, 1872. 
They are buried in Milton Cemetery. 

Children, b. in Milton : 

(482) i. James Edverdus Bronsdon^', b. July 5, 1818 ; m. Delia Sanborn. 

Two children. See below. 

(483) ii. Thomas Marston Bronsdon^, b. Apr. 23, 1820 ; m. Margaret Scan- 

Ion. See below. 

(484) iii. Phinehas Bronsdon^, Jr., b. Mar. 5,1822; m. Sarah K. Loud. 

See below. 

(485) iv. Margaret Matilda Bronsdon^, b. Jan. 11, 1824; m. Creighton W. 

Parker. Two children. See below. 

(486) V. Elijah Bronsdon^, b. Jan. 4, 1829 ; was a soldier in the Civil 

War ; unmarried. 

(487) vi. Susan Elizabeth Binney Bronsdon^ b. Jan. 29, 1831 ; d. Oct. 2,. 

1871 ; single. 

(488) vii. Edwin Aiujustus Bronsdon^, b. Apr. 30, 1833 ; d. June 19, 1842,. 

of scarlet fever. 

(489) viii. Charles Bronsdon^, b. Aug. 12, 1835; m. Abigail ]\l. Eddy in 

1860. Mr. Bronsdon d. Feb. 16, 1864, and Mrs. Bronsdon d. 
Aug. 9, 1895. They are buried in Milton Cemetery. Charles 
Bronsdon belonged to Co. I, 38th Regt., M.V. M., and was a 
member of Post 102, G. A.R. One daughter : 

(490) i. Lillian Louise Bronsdon', b. Dec. 16, 1873. She 
res. at Hartford, Conn. 



(303) Phixehas Bronsdon^, Sr. 

He was of an inventive and mechanical turn, and under Mr. Babcock 
of Milton, whose apprentice he was for seven years, learned iron-working in 
all its branches. He then built a shop on his place and hired men to work 
for him. Persons would drive many miles to employ him. There were 
seven stages passed that locality for many years, and all the work of shoeing 
the stage horses, and iron-work repairs on the stages, was given to him. 
He was an athletic man, and could swing a sledge-hammer in each hand,. 



BRONSDON FAMILY. 143 



simultaneously, with ease. He was also a fleet runner, and delighted in the 
exercise of his powers. Like all the Bronsdons, he enjoyed hunting; and 
like all the boys near the Blue Hills, he early learned to dread the rattle- 
snakes which infested the place, and to him, more than any person, is due 
their partial destruction, for there are still a few of them lurking among the 
rocks thereabouts. 

When a boy learning his trade, he fashioned for liimself a pair of tongs 
which he designed for the capture of snakes. Armed with these, he would, 
when opportunity offered, visit their haunts, and when lie perceived a reptile, 
would overtake it by running swiftly, and before it could coil itself, lie 
would seize it with the tongs and dash its life out against a tree or rock. 
Sometimes his cousin, Joseph Kussell Bronsdon, joined him in tliis sport, 
and in 1844, when Joseph paid a visit to Milton, they indulged in many 
reminiscences of their youthful sports, and nothing made so great an impres- 
sion upon the mind of one youthful auditor as these wonderful snake 
stories. 

Phinehas Bronsdon was born in the old house, built 1730 and demol- 
ished 1830. It had a long roof, two stories in front, one story in the rear, 
eight windows in the front, and was painted yellow. It was nnicli more 
picturesque than the plain house built by Phinehas' brother John, and 
which he purchased. The old well is still in existence, and stands in front 
of the location of the old house. In the lifetime of John Box Bronsdon 
and his sons the houses were embowered in cherry trees, which bore choice 
fruit and were the occasion of much entertaining in cherry time, when all 
the relatives who could, arrived upon the scene, prepared to enjoy the 
luscious " white hearts, red hearts and black hearts," as the cherries were 
called. This was the occasion of much happiness to Phinehas, who delighted 
in ''company." He was kind-hearted and generous, and stray dogs and 
Indians, or other waifs, usually drifted to his hospitable board, and would 
have remained indefinitely, but for others in the family who were not so 
easily imposed upon. Mr. Bronsdon suffered much from rheumatism during 
his last years, and was unable to attend to his business. He sold his shop, 
which, removed to Robbins Street, is now a dwelling-house. AVhen he died 
he left no debts, and his widow was comfortably provided for. She was an 
excellent wife and mother. As she grew old, everybody adopted her as 
" Grandma." It was the time of the Civil War ; two of her sons were 
soldiers, and she found her chief happiness in knitting and sewing for the 
" boys in blue." Her hands were never idle. Her' death was peaceful and 
resulted from old age. She was one of ten children, while her father was 
an only child, adopted by his mother's brother, Robert Elwell of Gloucester, 
whom he accompanied into service in the Revolutionary War, performing a 
boy's duty. Her parents were Charles Glover and Dorcas (Lee) Marston. 



144 PART I. 

(483) James E. Bronsdon^, son of (303) Phinehas (Phinehas^, 
John Box*, Bant^, Benj.^, Eobt.^). 

(482) James Edverdus Bronsdon^, b. in Milton, July 5, 1818 ; m. 
Oct. 9, 1866, Delia E. Sanborn, dau. of William Sanborn (mother's maiden 
name Murch) of Maine. She was b. Aug. 23, 1843 ; d. May 3, 1879, and 
Mr. Bronsdon d. Jan. 8, 1899, aged 80 yrs., 6 mos. He resided with his 
oldest son, and his last days were happy and comfortable. 

James Bronsdon was all his life an " out-door " man. He had, pre- 
eminently, the gifts of the hunter and guide. He was a skillful woodsman. 
He was generous to a fault. His wife was a person of superior intellectual 
gifts. Mr. and Mrs. Bronsdon are bur. in Milton Cemetery in the family 
lot belonging to their sons. 

Children oE James and Delia (Sanborn) Bronsdon : 

(491) i. William Cushvian Bronsdo7i' (James E.", Phinehas^, John Box*, 
Bant^ Benj.-^, Pvobt.^), b. in Milton, July 14, 1868 ; m. by Eev. 
Roderick Stebbins, Unitarian minister, Jan. 15, 1896, Annie 
Josephine Hickey, who Avas b. in Milton, and dau. of James 
and B. (McDermott) Hickey. They res. near the Blue Hills, 
Milton. 



(492) ii. March Marston Byonsdon' (James E.^ Phinehas^ John Box*, 
Bant^ Benj.2, Robt.^), b. in Milton, May 18, 1870; m. by Rev. 
Roderick Stebbins, at the Unitarian Church, Milton, Feb. 27, 
1895, Emma Louise Fredericks, dau. of William Augustus 
Fredericks (b. in Boston) and Rose (Hauser), and grand-dau. 
of John and Annie Hauser of Wurtemburg, Germany. Mrs. 
Emma L. Bronsdon was b. Feb. 15, 1876, in Milton. 

Three Children : 

(493) i. Ifurch Marston Bronsdon% b. Dec. 20, 1895. 

(494) ii. James Henry Bronsdon^, b. Sept. 26, 1897. 

(495) iii. Alice Dorothy Bronsdon^ b. Sept. 2, 1899. 

William C." and Murch M. Bronsdon'^ are associated in the express 
business, "Bronsdon Brothers." Their Boston offices are at 67 Franklin 
Street, and 15 Merchants Row. They also own and conduct the depot car- 
riage business at Readville. 

The name of Bronsdon re-appears in Merchants Row after an absence^ 
of more than a century and a half. 

Murch M. Bronsdon occupies a house which he has built on land in 
Milton purchased by his great-grandfather, John Box Bronsdon*, in 1774. 



BRONSDON FAMILY. Hi 



(483) Thomas Makston Uuonsdon'' (riiixKiiAs''. John r.ux'. I'.wt", 

Benj.'-, Rokt.^). 

(483) Thomas M. Bronsdon", b. Apr. 23, 1820, was the second child of 
(303) Phinehas^ and Rachael Bi-onsdon of Milton ; m. Feb. 4, 184'.», Mi.s.s 
Margaret Scaulon, who was of an educated Irish family of good posi- 
tion in Ireland; her father was a man of letters, and an instructor of youth. 
j\Ir. Bronsdon d. Sept. 17, 1858, and his wife d. Nov. 8, 18G3. 

Five Children — only three obtained : 

(49G) i. Helen M(tri<i BronsdoiV, b. Dec. 24, 1850 ; ni. Ceo. K. Jackson. 
See below. 

(407) ii. Edtvard Aui/ustus JlrDiisdoit', 1). IVIay 1 (>. lS(;2 ; in. Nancy 

1 1 Ti_i * -*M/ii>i. • r* I'll 



who d. suddenly in 180.'>, leaving five children ; no records 
obtained. 

Names (if Children : Susan ^, James^, Agnes*, Frederick^ and Frank*. 

(498) iii. mha Jane BronMhnP, b. Nov. 19, 1854. 

]\Ir. Thomas M. Bronsdon*^ was managing his fatlier's place in ^lilton. 
While driving from Boston to Milton, he noticed sometliing amiss with the 
running gear of his wagon. He alighted in order to adjust the difficulty, 
ami while doing so, a large heavy team came up behind, starting his horses 
so that he had not time to clear himself, but was caught in the wheel. He 
had a heavy load of lumber, and. was so injured that he died in a very short 
time. His widow engaged in business, and kept a store in Boston for several 
years. 

(496) Helex Maria Broxsdon" ( (483) THOMAs^ Pl^^•KlIAs^ John- l*.n.\\ 

Bant*, Ben.j.-, Roi5T.»). 

She was b. Dec. 24, 1850, in Boston, and m., Dec. 24, 1870, George 
Russell Jackson, who was b. Mar. 17, 1844, in Scotland, and was sou of 
Rev. Thomas and Helen (Russell) Jackson. He was closely allied with 
Boston journalism for many years. Mrs. Jackson d. Oct. 27, 1889. and Mr. 
Jackson cl. Nov. 18, 1898. 

Thirteen Children (five d. young, names not obtained) : 

(499) i. Burhara Helen^ Jaclson, b. in Boston, Oct. 10, 1871 ; m. Kdward 

Kelty, Jan. 1, 1891. He is of Scotch descent. 

Children : 

(500) i. FAlwanl' Kelty, Jr., b. Aug. 9, 1893 ; d. young. 

(501) ii. John Edieard'' Kelty, b. Dec. 20, 1895, in Cam- 



bridge. 



10 



146 PAUT i. 

(502) iii. Annabel Elizabeth^ AVZ/^y, b. Dec. 18, 189G, in 

Arlington. 

(503) iv. Caroline Helen^ Keltn, b. Apr. 24, 1898, in 

Arlington; d. Jan. 26, 1900, aged 1 vr. 9 nios. 
2 days. 

(504) ii. George ]\Icl><iiiald^ Jaelcstm, b. JNIar. 19, 1873 ; enlisted in the 

First Heavy Artiller}- during tlie Spanish War. He ni., Feb. 

11, 1901, :\liss ]N[ary ^l. Gormley, b. — , 1882, and dan. 

of Henry and Catherine (Burgess) Gormley of St. John, N. !>. 

(505) iii. Margaret Ellzalieth^ Jaekaon, b. Jan. 2. 1875 ; ni. in Sonierville, 

Apr. 6, 1893, David J. McCarthy, son of John ^IcCarthv. and 
b. Oct. 1, 1871. 

Children, b. in Sonierville: 

(506) i. WlUiam LewW MeCarthij, b. Aug. 17, 189<;. 

(507) ii. Dar'id Cieorge'^ MrCarthg, b. Aug. 5, 1898. 

(508) iii. James Broiisdon" MeCarthtj, b. Oct. 29, 1899. 
(508^0 S iv. Eda-ard Jaekson" MrCarthij, b. Nov. 4, 1901. 
(508/>j { V. Alice Bronsdoii" MrCarthij, b. Nov. 4, 1901. 

(509) iv. WiUiani TJunnas^ Jachaon, b. Nov. 15,1877; was in the First 

Heavy Artillery during the Spanish War ; is now in the 46th 
Mass. Eegt., which left Presidio, Cal., Nov. 6, 1899. for the 
Philippine Islands. He is a cor})oral, and has received honor- 
able mention for bravery, in Co. G, 46th Regt., U. S.V. Wni. 
T.^ Jackson ni., rlune 24, 1901, in Boston, Annie T., dau. of 
James and Sarah E. (Nelson) lUu'klev, of Sonierville, b. Oct. 
2, 1874. 

(510) V. Edward HerforKJackson, b. Jan. 21, 1879. 

(511) vi. Marg Alice^ Jarhson, b. Sept. 2, 1883. Pes. at Cambridge with 

her great-annt, Mrs. Geo. Harris. 

--10X •••' Z.;-^"/ ^7s f- t/'^c/t.so//, b. Aug. 9, 1889. Both died in a few weeks 
(olS) VI n. Elizabeth^ ^ > o > 

and their mother died also. She was a devoted wife and 

mother. 



(484) Phtnehas Bronsdon^ Jr. (Phinkhas^, John Box*, Bant*, Ben.j.-, 

Pop.T.i). 

Phinehas Bronsdon, Jr., was the third child of (303) Phinehas^ and 
Rachel (Marston) Bronsdon, and was b. in IMilton, Nov. 5, 1822 ; m. in 
Boston, Oct. 17, 1847, by Rev. Sebastian Streeter,* Sarah King Loud, b. 
in Pittston, Me., Jan. 28, 1828, and d. in San Francisco, Cal., Dec. 29, 1879. 
Phinehas Bronsdon, Jr., m., second, in 1884, Mrs. Sarah A. Keyes of New 
Orleans, La. They res. in San Francisco, Cal. 

* Mr. .Streeter luul the re])utatiou of marrying more (>oiip]es than aiij' othor minister 
in Boston. He married 118 couiiles in ]84:j. lie was a Uuiversalist and very popular. 



BRONSDON FAMILY. 1 I 



Childn')/, all by the first wifo ; fivo h. in T.nstnii iiiid tlircc in S;in 
Francisco, Cal. : 

(514) i. /'>ro7is(/oii\ d. in infancy. 

(olo) ii. Aurora King Bronsdoii', b. Oct. 20, l.S")! ; ni. in San i-'ranci.sco, 

Cal., Dec. 10, 1874, Geo. T. \V:ilk<'r. and d. |''.d.. LM, ISTS. 

leaving daughter : 

(516) i. Ivy Wdlker^. b. 1<S75, and was br()n,:.,dit nj) in 
Honolulu. S. I., in the family of l)a\ id Oxley. 

(517) iii. Amelia A. Bronsdon'', b. Feb. 18, 1854; d. aged 2 yrs. 

(518) iv. Sarah Augusta Brnnsdou'', b. ; ni. , in San Fran- 

cisco, Cal, John ,J. Willow, b. in New York State. No 
children. 

(519) V. Starr King Brnusdnn', b. , 1858; d. young. 

(520) vi. Laura Adelaide Bronsdon'. b. Oct. 10, LSCO;" ni.'^ , Frank 

Coburn, and d. July 28, 188C>; one child d. before his mother 
(Frankie). 

(521) vii. Milton Hou-ard Bronsdon', h. June 5, 1804; ni. at Uig Spring, 

Xeb., Apr. 20, 1890, Elizabeth, dau. of Alexander Morrison, 
and b. Dec. 9, 1871. Two children; see below. 

(522) viii. Uli/sses Phineas Bronsdon', b. A})r. 25, 1870; ni. June G, iS'.d, 

Miss Grace Ellenwood. 

Biography. 

(484) Phinehas Bronsdon®, Jr., when a young man, went to Boston and 
was employed as foreman by the City Forester. Afterward, having an 
inherited ability for mechanics, he studied engineering. In 1857 he was 
engaged in the construction of the first horse-railroad (from Boston to 
Charlestown). In 1858-9 he removed with his family to San Francisco, 
Cal. Thus the Bronsdon race was 200 years in spanning the country between 
the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, as Phinehas is the first of record among 
the lineal descendants of Robert Bronsdon^ to reside on the shores of the 
Pacific. In San Francisco he built the first street-railway on the Pacific slope, 
called the " Omnibus Railway," and others in Portland, Ore., Los Angeles. 
Cal., etc. He was Supt. of Street Railways in San Francisco for several 
years. His first wife, Sarah K. Loud, was an amiable and refined woman, 
and her death was a misfortune to her young family. She was of '' May- 
flower " ancestry. 

Her father, Charles Loud, was b. probably in Pittston, Me., as he lived 
there in his early youth. He was son of Capt. Jacob Loud of Weymouth, 
Mass., a Revolutionary hero, who, after the war, went to Maine in 1790. 
He was descended from Elder William Brewster of "Mayflower*' fame. 

Charles Loud m. Jane Adelaide Sarah King. b. in New York City in 
1806 and dau. of William King, a native of England, a mariner, who was 
lost at sea the same year his daughter was born. 



148 PART I. 

(521) MiLTOx Howard Bronsdon" (Phinehas, Jr.*, Phtxkhas^ 
John Box^ Bant", Benj.^ PvObt.^). 

Milton Howard Bronsdon was the seventh chikl of (484) Phinelias 
Bronsdon*, Jr., and Sarah K. (Loud), and was b. in San Francisco, CaL, 
June 5, 1804 ; m. at Big Spring, Neb., Apr. 20, 1890, Miss Elizabeth 
Morrison. Res. in Providence, Pv. I. Two chiklren b. in Providence : 

(523) i. MUfon Howard Bronsdon^ Jr., h. Dec. 11, 1895. 

(524) ii. Hope Bmnsdnn^ b. Friday, Nov. 16, 1900, at 11.50, P. M. 

Mr. M. H. Bronsdon learned the business of his father (constructing 
engineer). His first work of importance was done at the age of 21 years, 
while foreman of construction of two cable railways at Los Angeles, 
Cak, and afterward as master mechanic of one of them. He remained in 
Los Angeles from April, 1885, until May, 1889, when he went to Denver, 
Cok, as manager of the Denver Tramway for seven months. He resigned 
his position in order to accept the office of superintendent of Providence 
Cable Tramway of Providence, R. I. In March, 1895, the road changed to 
electric motive power, and Mr. Bronsdon was appointed engineer-in-chief 
for the Union R.Pv. Co. of Providence, B.I., which position he now holds. In 
1895 he designed and built the Inclined Counterweight System (his own 
patented invention) on the steep incline of College Street, Providence. In 
1896, he built a similar railway at Morgan Park, 111. In 1898, he built the 
Inclined Railway Systems on St. Anthony's Hill, at St. Paul, Minn. 

He was one of the organizers of the "Providence Association of 
Mechanical Engineers," of which he was elected president for the year 
1901. Mr. Bronsdon has given some valuable lectures before this Associa- 
tion, illustrating them by scientific experiments. 

He is a thirty-second degree Free Mason. INlr. Bronsdon has mani- 
fested much interest in the family genealogy, and has defrayed the expense 
of a research among English records, with a view to ascertaining the 
parentage of Robert Bronsdon^ the founder of the family in America. 



(485) Margaret Matilda Bronsdon* (Phinehas^ John Box*, Bant", 

Benj.^ ROBT.I). 
She was dau. of (303) Phinehas Bronsdon, and b. in Milton, Jan. 11, 
1824 ; m. by the Rev. Edward Beecher, in Boston, Apr. 4, 1848, Creighton 
Whitmore Parker, Sr., b. on Fort Hill, Boston, Mar. 10, 1824, son of 
Capt. William and Camilla (AVheelright) Parker. Capt. C. W. Parker 
d. Mar. 10, 1864, in the Straits of Rio (Java), and is interred in the Eng- 
lish grave yard at Singapore, Farther India. (See Appendix, Parker.) 




(48S) MARGARET M. (BRONSDON^ PARKER, AND 
(526) MARGARET E. PARKER. 



BRONSDON FAlsriLY. 1 |0 



Mrs. Parker res. at 28 Lowell Street, J.ynii. She has Uftii ;iii actiM; 
member of the Unitarian Churcli at Lynn for 2") years, and is a life-Ion^' 
Unitarian. She owns the homestead of her Bronsdon ancestors in Milton, 
purchased previous to the Revolution. 

Children, h. in Boston : 

(525) i. Cn'ii/htou irhitiinira' Farker, Jr., b. Uc-t. 2o, 1854 ; iii. A[)r. (», 
1877, Harriet Moncrief Kinmonth Fitts ; b. in Jloston, 
July 6, 1849, and dan. of Bobert Berkeley and Harriet Allen 
(Marsters) Fitts of Boston. Mr. Fitts was a ])i'inter and pub- 
lisher at 22 School, and afterwards at 26 Washington Street, 
in the middle of the nineteenth century. He d. in I'hil- 
adelphia, Pa., Oct. 2, 1871. Mr. and Mrs. Creighton W. 
Parker have res. at 28 Lowell Street, Lynn, for nearly a 
quarter of a century. 

Child: 

(526) i. 31<'r;/(iret EinjiieHiic'^ F'arker, b. at 28 Lowell 
Street, Lynn, Aug. 30, 1880; is now a stu- 
dent at Boston University, College of Liberal 
Arts, Class of 1903. She is descended on her 
mother's side from the Lees of Manchester 
and Marblehead. The Cambridge Lees were 
of this race, which is related to the Lees of 
Virginia. 

(527) ii. Garhdin FreeiiKui Basscff' Farker, b. May 1, 1850; m. duly 25, 
1884, jVIartha Marie, dau. of Dwight Sanderson and Patience 
A. (Aldrich) Elliott of Southampton, and b. Apr. 29, 1861. 

Child: 

(528) i. Miirion. Abbie^ Fnrkrr, b. July 21, 1887, at 
Oneco, Conn. 

(527) Cx. Bassett Parker d. June 19, 1901, at West Willington, Conn., 
and was buried at Milton, Mass., June 21. He was a man of excellent 
character, and beloved for his genial and kindly disposition. He suffered 
greatly from rheumatism for a few years before his death, but was able to 
attend to his duties as a telegrapher until tlie day he died. He was for- 
merly in the retail shoe business at Florence, Mass. 



150 PART I. 



(304) Hannah IUionsdon^ (John Box*, Bant^, Bknj.-, Rout.^). 

(o04) Hannah Bkonsdon^, tenth child of (282) John ]^ox Bronsdon and 
Abigcail (Baker), was b. in Milton, Mass., Aug. 27, 1792; m. Apr. 21, 1816, 
at Easton, Mass., Tliomas Allen, Jr., <' yeoman and cordwainer,'' who was 
b. in Canton, Mass., May 25, 1792, and d. Jan. 31, 1858, in Milton. Mrs. 
Allen lived to the age of 88 years, and d. in Dorchester, at 1420 Dorchester 
Avenue, May 8, 1881. 

Children, b. at Walpole, N. H. : 
(529) i. Hevnj Thomas'^ Allen, b. May 22, 1818 ; m. Sarah Carpenter, 
and resided at Walpole, N. H., where he d. Nov., 1883. He 
was a farmer. 

Children — (we have not their full record) : 

(530) i. Wdliavi' Allen, m. and went to Peoria, 111. 

(531) ii. Nellie'' Allen, m. Comstock. 

(532) iii. Stephei}} Allen. 

(533) ii. Lydi'i Vose^ Allen, b. Mar. 13, 1820 ; m. John Brown, who lived 
but a short time. She d. in Dorchester, Nov. 8, 18G7. No 
children. She was a second wife, and her husband had 
children. 

(531) iii. Abi;/ail Baker^ Allen, b. ^lay 5, 1822 ; d. at Dorchester, Jan. 30, 
1901, of cerebro-spiual meningitis. She had been an invalid for 
many years, and resided with her brother's widow, who cared 
for her. She is buried in the family lot at Milton Cemetery. 

(535) iv. Mar// Harrison^ Allen, b. Nov. (5, 1824 ; m. first, AVm. Holmes, 

who d. Dec. 14, 1855 ; m. second, John Calder, whom she out- 
lived, and d. Jan. 10, 1874. 

(536) v. Phineas Bovenport^ Allen, b. Dec. 26, 1826; d. , 1876; 

m. Olive H. Frost. Seven children. See below. 

(537) vi. Rebecca Buggies'^ Allen, h. in Milton ; d. in infancy. 

Biogkaphy of Mk. and Mrs. Allen. 

(304) Hannah (Brousdouj Allen was of a very lively temperament. 
She married Mr. Allen, who was a farmer, and they went to Walpole, N. H., 
to live, where they had purchased a farm at the solicitation of old Mr. 
Nathaniel Davenport of Milton, a neighbor of John Box Bronsdon, Hannah's 
father ; Mr. Davenport represented the purchase as an attractive invest- 
ment, but this proving to be a mistake, the young people returned to Milton, 
in 1832 the richer, only by a family of children. Mr. Allen's health failed, 
and he finally died in consumption. He was a kind husband, and his death 
left Hannah in a very sad frame of mind, but her natural cheerfulness 
returned in time. She removed from Milton to Dorchester, her daughters 



BUONSDON FAMILY. 151 



acc'oiiipauying her. Afterward Lydia, marrying, took licr motlirT to live; 
Avith her, and her ohl age was comfortable and contented. 

Mrs. Allen used to relate that, when a girl, she had the honor of .shaking 
liands with Jerome Bonaparte, brother of the great Najjoleon. wlio stayed 
for a l)rief time at the Atherton Tavern, near lier father's home in .Millon. 



(536) Phixeas Davenport" Allen (HA^^■A^^^ -John Box', I'.wt', 

Ben.j.-, ROIJT.I). 

Phineas Davenport^ Allen was b. Dec. 2(>, l.SL'C. in \Val])ole, N. II. ; 
m. Olive Howard Frost of Hancock, Me. Mr. Allen was a coppersmith and 
plumber, and had a good business. He was a member of tlie Boston Fire 
Department, and held the position of an engineer. He was a favorite with 
his friends, generous and whole-souled. His bravery was un(]uestioned. 
He d. in 1876 as the result of an accident. 

Cltildreu : 
(ooS) i. Charles Oscar''' Allen, b. in Hancock, i\Ie. ; m. Letitia Keid. It 
was by the courtesy of Mr. Allen, who res. in Campello, that 
we were favored with a photograi)hic copy of the old ])ortrait 
of our ancestor. Bant Bronsdon, the father of John r)OX 
Bronsdon. 

Oil I' Sou : 
(539) i. lii'iirij h-rliKf Allen., b. , 187o. 

(.")40) ii. Haiuutli l)(n-vii [lorf' Allen, b. in Dorchester; m. George W. 
Frost. See below. Six children. 

(541) iii. Em mil Fruiires'' Allen, b. in lloxbury ; m. and d. without 

children. 

(542) iv. Ella Frost"' Allen, b. in Koxhury ; m. Clarence Kedonnet; eleven 

children, lies, in West Koxbury. 
(54o) V. PJiuieas Daren porP Allen, Jr., h.'ux \U)xb\\vy \ m. ; two children. 
See below. 

(544) vi. Olloe HowanV Allen, m. L. Roath. He d. m Dorchester. 

No children. 

(545) vii. (iei>rge William? Allen ; unmarried. 

Three others d. in infancy, of whom we have not the names. 

Mrs. Roath and Mr. (J. W. Allen res. with their mother in Dorchester. 



(543) Phineas Davenport' Allen, Jr. (Phineas^ Hannah\ 
John BoxS Bant^ Benj.^, Eof.t.M. 

Phineas Daa-enport" Allen, Jr., was b. in Koxbury; m. Adelaike 
Boyd of Machias, Me. 

Children : 

(546) i. John Eaijene* Allen, b. , 1892. 

(547) ii. Arthur Ormsby^ Allen. 



152 PART I. 

(540) Hannah Davenpokt'' Allen (Phineas®, Hannah^, John Box^, 

Bant^, Benj.'-^, Robt.^). 

Hannah Davenport'^ Allen m. George W. Frost, 3 879. He is cap- 
tain of Engine 41, Boston Fire Department. 

ChildreJi : 

(548) ( i. R'f/ph Daveajiort" Frost, h. Apr. 20, 1880. 

(549) j ii. Nelson Edgar^ Frost, b. Apr. 20, 1880 ; d. at the age of 2i mos. 

(550) iii. Mail Althen^ Frost, b. Apr. 26, 1882. 

(551) iv. Ardella Rose^ Frost, b. Feb. 1, 1886. 

(552) V. Harriet Beatrice^ Frost, b. June 6, 1889. 

(553) vi. George William' Frost, Jr., b. Feb. 20, 1892. 



BRONSDON FAMILY. ^r^^ 



(306) William Bant Bronsdon^ (John Box'*, Bant", Hkn.i.-, K(ii;i.>). 

William Bant Bkonsdon^, the twelfth ami youngest cliild of ('JSL') 
John hox Bronsdon of Milton, Mass., was b. Sept. 21, 179S; ni. Nov. L'7, 
1825, Elizabeth Bowman, (lau. of James and Susanna (Hunt) Bowman of 
Milton, and b. June 16, 1S0;:5. She d. Nov. 23, 18G0, and William llant 
Bronsdon d. Nov. 9, 1859. 

ChUdre7i : 

(554) i. Rebecca Boivman Ilnji/sdoii^, b. June 8, 1829; d. Sept. 5, 1829. 

(555) ii. WUJhtm Bant Jlnwsdon^ b. Feb. 26, 1830; d. Jan. 31, 1,S57. 

" A very promising young man." 

(556) iii. Elizabeth Bojvdkui. Bronsdon^, b. May 20, 1831; m. dune 22. 

1875, Daniel M. Farnum. No children. Kes. in Dorchester! 

(557) iv. Abigail Bronsdon^, b. Apr. 17, 1833; d. Sept. 22, 1842. '< A 

wonderfully sweet little singer." 

(558) V. Herman Bronsdon'\ b. Mar. 29, 1835; d. Sept. 23, 1836. 

(559) vi. Frederick Herman Bronsdon^, b. June 23, 1838 ; m. Jan. 3, 1866, 

Martha Faxon Leeds. See below. 



(559) FuEUEKicK H. Bkonsijon*^ (Wm. Baxt'^, John Box^, Baxt'', 

Bexj.'-^, Robt.^). 

FuEDEiMCK H. Bkonsuon'^ was b. in INIilton, June 23, 1838; m. dan. 3. 
1866, jMartha Faxon Leeds, who was b. in Melrose, Nov. 8, 1843, and 
(lau. of Frederick Leeds (b. in Dorchester) and Elizabeth Coolidge (fJohnson) 
Leeds (b. in Portsmouth, N. H.). 

Tliree Cli'ddreii : 

(560) i. ]VUU<()ii CoMldije liroiisdoii', b. Oct. 24, 1866; d. dune 15, 1870. 

(561) ii. IsaJ>rl ]Vhif red Bviv,sdnii',h.^e^t. 2,1^11. 

(562) iii. Helen Louise Brnnsdon' , 1». Aug. 14, 1875. 



Biockaphy. 

(306) William Bant Bronsdon was a baker ; his shop was on Kandolph 
Avenue, Milton. He lived on Canton Avenue. At one time the family 
lived in the old Glover house next their father Bronsdon's. Kattlesnakes 
were not infrequent intruders in the neighborhood. One day Mrs. Bronsdon 
glanced out of her door at her little girl playing in the door-yard, when slie 
saw something that startled her immeasurably. The little child was sitting 
perfectly still, gazing at a slender, waving head that peeped at her witli 
bead-like eyes from over a log. Her mother knew it instantly for a rattle- 



154 PART T. 

snake, but she kept her presence of mind and forced herself to call softly to 
the child, thus drawing her attention with some difficulty, and finally getting 
her at a safe distance, when she caught her up and bore her out of danger. 
On another occasion she was piling faggots in the brick oven, preparatory 
to lighting them, when a crotalus, or rattlesnake, fell from the wood upon 
the floor. Some lively scrambling resulted, and her husband, responding to 
her affrighted cry, rushed in and killed the unwelcome visitor. 

Mr. and Mrs. Bronsdon were both fine singers. He led the church choir 
for years, and she was a member of it. The young people delighted in 
meeting at his house for a "sing'" in the long winter evenings. Upon one 
occasion the time passed so pleasantly that it was unheeded. At last some 
one discovered that it was " one o'clock in the morning.''' A sudden depart- 
ure ensued, and the guests hurried home to relieve the suspense of their 
wondering and anxious parents. 

William Bant Bronsdon was a favorite with his brothers and sisters, 
partly because he was the youngest (they called him " Bantling " for a pet 
name), and also because he was a most lovable man, seeming with his name 
to have acquired the traits of the genial old Bants who were always favor- 
ites in their day and generation. His brother John's wife was named 
Elizabeth, also, but always called Eliza, or rather 'Liza. The young people 
always spoke of the two aunts as "Aunt 'Liza John" and "Aunt 'Liza 
Bant." The death of their son, William Bant Bronsdon®, was a sad affliction 
to his parents. He was all that was good, and devoted himself to his 
parents' happiness and comfort in a most unselfish manner. The surviving 
son, Mr. Frederick Bronsdon, res. in Dorchester. He is a plumber. Mrs. 
Farnum also res. in Dorchester. 



BRONSDON FAMILY. 155 



{285) Benjamin Bronsdon* of Milton, Mass. (Bant», Bkn.i.-, i;..iiT'.). 
[Known as Capt. Bkxjamix Bkonsdon. See also (B 14) Part- 11. | 

Bknjamin Bkonsdon'' was the fourth cliild of (IIH")) Capt. Haiit 
Bronsdon and wife Elizabeth (Box) and grandson of -lohn an<l Lydia 
(Story) Box, all of Boston. He Avas baptized at King's Chapel, Boston, 
Oct. 2.S, 1757. He m. first, Jan. 15, 178(5, Miss Salley Kneeland of Ko.x- 
bury, who d. July 4, 1791, aged 32 years; and he m. second, at lioyalton, 
Mass., Martha (Patty) Farrav (not Polly, as the town records of Milton 
give it), who was b. in Shrewsbury, Mass., Aug. 26, 1769, and in. ]ienjaniin 
Bronsdon at the home of her step-father. Rev. Joseph Lee (he officiated at 
the marriage), Apr. 24, 1796. Mrs. Bronsdon d. in jNIilton, Jan. 30, l.S3r), 
and is buried in Milton Cemetery. The Milton town records give the age 
of Mrs. Sally (Kneeland) Ih-onsdon, at death, as 22 years. Tliis is an error. 
She was b. Oct. 20, 1759. Mr. Bronsdon d. Apr. 28, 1830, and is Iniried 
l)eside his second wife ; the first wife is doubtless interred there, also, but 
no stone marks the spot. Benjamin and " Patty " Bronsdon are commemo- 
rated by one tombstone, before which is a " Revolutionary marker." 

Children, two by the first wife, three by the second wife : 

(563) i. SdJIi'ii Daois Bronsd(nv',h.^QYii.2o,\~^Q\ m. Buker. See below. 

(564) ii. Fannie Bronsdon^, b. June 13, 1789; m. Robinson. See below. 
{o6o) iii. Bi'tijaiitiii Broicn Bronsdon^, b. Dec. 19, 1796 ; d. Dec. 2, 1877. 

He was named for the Browns of Concord, Mass., his grand- 
mother Farrar's family. He was for about thirty years the 
faithful and efficient foreman of the Adams estate in Milton. 
He never married. 

(566) iv. Charles Farrar Bronsdoii% b. Oct. 20, 1798. See below. 

(567) V. Caroline Bronsdon^, b. Dec. 13, 1802 ; m. Lawson. See below. 



BlOUKAVHY. 

(285) Benjamin Bronsdon, called Captain because he was captain of a 
militia company in INIilton, was born in Boston on Beacon Hill. He was 
the next son in age to John Box Bronsdon, and a warm attachment existed 
between them, so that it was the most natural thing for Benjamin to come 
to Milton and make one of his brother's family on the marriage of the latter 
to Miss Abigail Baker, in 1774. As has been stated, it was necessary to 
comply with a law which compelled fatherless boys to be bound out to a 
trade, and John Box Bronsdon learned boot-making, Bant Bronsdon took up 
rope-making, and Benjamin became a butcher and marketman, while the 



156 I PART I. 

3'-oungest brother, William, became a sailor. All these were money-making 
occupations, and Benjamin lost no time in establishing himself in business ; 
but for awhile there was other occupation for the men of the colony. He, 
as well as his brother, engaged in the defence of the colony. The records 
at the State House, Boston, give the following : 

" Benjamin Bronsdon, Milton, piivate, Capt. Josiah Vose's Co. Milton, 
Service from Apr. 13 to Apr. 26, 1776, 12 days in defence of the sea coast." 

He was then about 19 years old. 
A second record is as follows : 

"Benjamin Bronsdon, Milton, Private, Capt. John Bradley's Co. Lem- 
uel Robinson's liegt. Service 6 days after Concord fight and before com- 
pletion of the standing army." 

Benjamin established a market business in Boston. In 1784 he pur 
chased land in ^lilton, on Canton Avenue, and built a handsome residence, 
which is standing and in good repair. He employed several men who 
performed the labor at his butchering establishment in JNIilton and his 
market in Boston. Every week-day he rode to Boston in his own chaise, a 
dignified and handsome man, of commanding presence, whose bearing, though 
lordly, was yet urbane. His manner of living was on a scale of great 
liberality. There were always guests in the house. The meals were served 
in ceremonious fashion, with attendance from a negro serving-man, who 
stood behind Capt. Bronsdon's chair to receive his orders. 

Capt. Bronsdon's first wife died before the recollection of anyone now 
living, but Aunt Patty is well remembered by many of our older members. 
She was a dainty, graceful personage, whose slender waist could have been 
" spanned by your two hands." She was a great favorite with young and 
old. None of Cajjt. Bronsdon's descendants remain in INlilton. 



(563) Salley Davjs BhoxsjjonS (Ben,!.'*, Bani^ Ben.j.-, Robt.^). 

£)\9^40 (563) Sali.ey Davis Bkonsdon'' was the oldest child of (285) Benjamin 

'^* Bronsdon'* of Milton and his first wife. Sally (Kneeland). She was b. Sept. 

Sn,n^ 23, 1786, and d. Sept. 3, 1882, at Colchester, Conn., at the age of 96 years. 

She ni. first, "Lemuel Bowkek of Boston to Miss Salle}' Davis Bronsdon, 

f fO^ 'Sow 17, 1 806, at Dorchester " (public record). The name, however, is called 

linker in the family. Mr. Buker died after 1820, and Mrs. Buker m. second, 

Mr. Ammi Ctttku of Boston, Jan. 9, 1837. He was a retired merchant. 

One of Mrs. Buker's daughters married and went to Connecticut to reside, 

and after ^Iv. Cutter's death the widow Avent to her daughter's to live. 



BRONSDON FAMILY. I;"i7 



Children by lirst Imsbaiid : 

(5G8) i. Almlm'' lliihn; b. , 1807; in. Charles Wulos of Dor- 
chester, 1 829 ; lived in Milton with her <rran(lfiitlier I'.ronsdon 
until lier marriage, tlion res. in Dui'ehcstcr niitil ln-r (le;ith, in 
18GG. 

Children, b. in Dorchester: 

(509) i. Sarah Lmilsc' Wales, b. 182.",; m. hSaT, Charles 
L. Kaymond ; res. in Colchester, Conn.; wo 
children. 

(570) ii. Charles Henri/' Wales, b. J 84:!; ni. in 1881, 

I^illa IT. Koyce ; res. in Dorchester; uo chil- 
dren. 

(571) iii. deorge W<(lter' Wales, b. , 1845; un- 

married. 

(572) ii. Benjaniiu lironsdon^ Baker, b. 1809; d. 1849, in Lislion, Conn. 

He ni. 184(), Matilda Earl ; no children. Jl- "30 

(573) iii. Louisa^ Buker, h. ISli ; d. 1880; ni. Nathaniel M. Hayward. ]?.'fJ< 

jNIay 10, 1838, who was in the rubl)er business. He d. 18(15. \^ Jo 

Mrs. Hayward had the care of her mother, wlio outlived her 
and wlio attained the greatest age of any Kronsdon in America, 
but there was one in England wiio lived to be 101 years old. 

Seren Children, all I), in (Colchester, Conn. : 

(574) i. Louisa' HayuHird, b. Feb. 5, 1839 ; ni. dun. 20, 

1859, Theodore C\ Weeks, and had : 

Vv«. cJ^re-(^ <=K. ^o^ l°rD5 

(575) i. Louise H.' Weeks, b. Nov. 11, 1800. 

(576) ii. Kitty Eleanor'' Weeks, b. , 18G3. 

Vh 

(577) ii. Mar)/ Frances' Haywaril, h. Oct. '3, ISAO- d. Nov. 

18, 18()8. 

(578) iii. William J/enri/' I/ai/irnrd. b. June 22. ISI;]; 

unmarried. " <{ . Zd f^(W. \q05 I*! 

(579) iv. El-lev' Hayvard, b. Feb. 2, 1840. 1^.17 feVj. \T4^,c(.l0 J 

(580) V. Isahella'^ Ifayirard, h. Ain: 14, 1848. d. 13 T*^. 1^3^ 

(581) vi. Annie' llaya-ard, b. Sept. 10, 1855; ni. Sciumm 

H. Thresher, July 29, 1880. dl- ID ^^o.m lQl5: 

Children : 

(582) i. Louisa H} Thresher, b. June 22, LS81. 

(583) ii. Harold M.' Thresher, b. July 1, 1885. f^«]o. \ 

(584) iii. 7l/a?y» eriVe ^w///^ T/nr,s7/f'/-, b. Sept. 19, 1887. SejnT^ 
d.?? 5€/it/?/f(585) iv. Frank Robinson^ Thresher, b. Nov. 30. 1891. 30 tlo^r. ,, 

f (58G) V. Gladys Laura"" Thresher, b. Aug. 9, 1S9G. 

(587) vii. Ceorrie Nathan ieP I/aya-ard. b. Oct. 1. 18G0 ; 
d. Oct. 30, 18G2. 



^ /N_^ 



158 PART I. 



(588) iv. Ehanur J//' lUike,-, b. Oct. 11, 18L'0; d. Sept. Ifi, 1859, in 
kStougliton, at the home of her cousin, Mrs. llebecca Gay 
(see No. 174), and is bur. in Evergreen Cemetery, Stoughton. 
On the death of her father, Eleanor, then a babe, was received 
into the family of her relative, Mr. John Bronsdon^, and was 
regarded as a daughter of the house. She was possessed of 
ver}' lovely traits of character. 



(564) Fanxie F.ronsdon^ (Benj.^ Baxt^ Bexj.-, RoiiT.^). 

Fannie Bronsdox^ was the dau. of (285) Benjamin Bronsdon* by his 
first Avife, Sally (Kneeland), and own sister to Mrs. Buker. She was b. in 
]\[ilton, June 13, 1789 ; m. Oct. 27, 1810, James Robinson of Windham, 
Conn., and res. in Boston, where Mr. Robinson was for several years Prin- 
cipal of the Bowdoin Girls' Grammar School. The family removed to 

Cambridge. ]\Irs. Robinson d. , 1874, and ]\lr. Robinson d. , 

1877. This couple had a number of children, all of whom died in youth, 
excepting James H. Robinson. 



(567) Caroline Bronsdon® (Benj.*, Baxt", B)ENJ.^ Rop.t.^). 

Caroltx^e Bron.suon^, dau. of (285) Benjamin Bronsdon and his second 
wife, Martha (Farrar), was b. in Milton, Mass., Dec. 13, 1802 ; m. in Boston, 
Mar. 15, 1831, Henry Lawson, and d. Jan. 3, 1882, in Xorristown, l*a. 
]\[r. Lawson d. in Norristown, Pa., Oct., 1868. He was b. in Birmingham, 
England, and arrived in this country Mar. 17, 1830. He had been previously 
married, and had one daughter. 

Children, b. in Boston : 

(590) i. William Henry'' Lmvson, b. Feb. 2, 1832. See below. 

(591) ii. George^ Lmvson, b. Jan. 14, 1834 ; d. Oct. 3, 1835. 

(592) \ iii. Charles^ Lawson, b. Feb. 8, 1830. 

(593) \ iv. Caroline limnsdon'' Lairson, b. Feb. 8, 1836. 

Charles Lawson married and died without children, at Norristown, Pa., 
May 25, 1861, and his twin sister married William R. l^.rown in 1856. He 
was a Captain in the regular army, and is not now living. The widow of 
Charles and Mrs. Brown reside together. 

Mrs. Caroline (Bronsdon) Lawson "was in all respects a splendid 
woman." Mr. Lawson Avas very successful. He was senior member of the 
Hrm of Lawson & Harrington, upholstery and line furniture, 25 Washington 
Street, Boston. 



(56(5) Charles Farkar Bronsdon'' (Bkn.t.^ F.ant^, Ben.i.-, Rop.t.^). 

Charles F. Bronsdok^ was b. in Milton, Oct. 20, 1798 ; ni. in Boston 
to Anne Ransom, Aug. 31, 1827, by Rev. J. D. Knowles, and d. July 3, 1834, 
at the age of 35 years, and is bur. in Milton Cemetery. He succeeded to 
his father's business and estate, but met with reverses which broke up the 
home in Milton about a year before his mother's death. His widow rem. to 
Lowell with their three children, Charles F. Bronsdon*\ Jr., Anne E. Brons- 
don® and Henry A. Bronsdon® (see Suffolk Probate Records for Letters of 
Guardianship). Nothing further is known of this family except that it is 
supposed the sons went West, and the daughter met witli an accident, from 
the effects of which she died. 



BRONSDON FAMILY. 1 VJ 



(590) WiLLfA^i Hknry'' I.awson ((Jai;(.mm-/', ISkn.i.', Uant-'. IJkn.j.-. 

"William Hexry Lawson, b. in Uostoii, Vo]). L'. 1S.")'_': m. Scjil. L', 
1852, Hannah Brknton Gibbons of Chester Co.. I 'a. 

CJiihln-u, h. in Philadelphia. Ta. : 
(594) i. M(u\i/ (ilhhoiis^ Lau-snii, b. June 4, ISr),'!: in. .Ian. IC, ISSI. Wil- 
liam Henry Lelaiul, who was b. Aug. S, IS IS. lies, in Brook- 
lyn, N. Y. They have two cliildren. one b. in riiiladelphia 
and one in l^rooklyn. 

(oOo) i. ('hrhtlne Broiisdov^ Lelainl, b. Aug. 23, ISSS. 
(r)9<>) ii. U'll/idw. Heiirii^ Lrland, Jr.. b. Jan. 10. 1S'.»r». 

(r)97) ii. Ili'iir;/' Ldirsoii, b. Oct. 12, ISal. 

(598) iii. Williaii/ Gibhons"^ L(nrsn/i, h. Awii;. 27 , '[^•'tT. 

(599) iv. C/nn-Ies G'thhmis' Lairsm,, b. Feb'. Id, 1 S(;2 ; d. .Mar. 27. 1SC,4. 



160 PART I. 



(386) Bant Bronsdon^ Jr., of r)Oston, (Bant^, Bex.t.^, Koht.^). 

[See also (B 15) Part II.] 

(286) Bant Bronsdon*, Jr., Ava.s the fifth child of (196) Capt. Bant 
and Elizabeth (Box) Bronsdon, and was b. in Boston, and bapt. at King's 
Chapel, Jan. .30, 1760 ; m. first, Mary , Avho d. i\Iar. 25, 1784 ; sec- 
ond, Dkkohah, dau. of Ebenezer and Mary (Jenkins) Jackson, b. Mar. 1, 
1761; d. June 12, 1801. Her parents were members of the " olde North 
Meeting-house " Society, and she had a brother who was prominent in J->os- 
ton town affairs. 

Children, by first wife : 

(600) i. Bant Bronsdon^, b. Feb. 14, 1782, bapt. at Trinity Church; 

d. single; was a tin-plate worker, and had a shop on Washing- 
ton Street. His baptism is recorded " Bant of Bant and 
Mary Broadesden, Nov. 17, 1782." 

By second wife : 

(601) ii. Harriet Adallne Smith Bronsdon^, b. Nov. 25. 1786; m. Mr. 

Peter Vallette, and res. in Boston and Cincinnati, 0. Sev- 
eral children. See below. 

(602) iii. Sarah Carter Bronsdon^, b. June 25, 1789; m. Andrew Allison; 

had children. See below. 

(603) iv. Mari/ Jackson Bronsdon^, b. Feb. 9, 1791 ; m. David C. Allison. 

For children, see below. 

(604) V. Joseph Bussell Bronsdon^, b. Mar. 12, 1793 ; removed to Mon- 

treal, Can. For his family, see below. 

(605) vi. Ainie Lincoln Bronsdon'', b. May 2, 1795; m. Sept. 16, 1821, 

Lore Brigham of Dunbarton, N. H. She d. Dec. 23, 1884 ; was 
many years a widow, and a very lovely disposition. Her hus- 
band left her well provided for. She had one child, d. in 
infancy. 

(606) vii. George Washington Bronsdon^, b. Feb. 23, 1798 ; d. young. 

(607) viii. Faschal Smith Bronsdon^, b. Oct. 23, 1799 ; m. twice, and d. at 

Brighton, Me. Had one son, Leroy P., who d. single. 



(286) Bant Bronsdon*, Jr. 

He inherited the physical characteristics of his Box ancestors. His 
grandfather and uncle Box died of consumption. 

Mr. Bronsdon had a protracted illness, which prevented him from 
carrying out his plan of building a rope-walk, for which he had bought land 
on Leverett Street, Boston. He had learned the trade of a rope-maker from 
his Uncle John Box, Jr. Mr. Bronsdon's first wife may have been Mary 



BRONSDON FAMILY. Itil 



Ballard, as he bought out the Ballard heirs. His home was on Leverett 
Street, ant^l attached to the house was a very pleasant, large, old-fashioned 
garden, shaded with trees. This laud was afterward built upon, and the 
neighborhood is now very different from those days. His death is recorded 
in the Cohimhlan Centwel of Apr. 13, 1799, as follows : 

<' In this Town Mr. Bant Bronsdon aged 39. His funeral will proceed 
from his dwelling house at Bartons Pt. tomorrow afternoon at 5 o'clock. 
Relatives and friends are requested to attend." 

The Bronsdons owned a pew in the Baptist Church on Salem Street. 
Mrs. Deborah Bronsdon undertook the administration of her husband's 
affairs, but died, and the estate was settled by Mrs. Curtis, sister of Mr. 
Bronsdon, Saml. Chamberlain of Boston, Joseph Newell of Charlestown, 
both merchants. Mrs. Curtis and Mr. Chamberlain were guardians to the 
children, and managed the estate so Avell that it increased greatly in vahie 
during the minority of the heirs. The children were brought up in the 
families of their uncles and aunts on the Bronsdon side. 

Deeds in Suffolk Registry, bearing dates 1792, 1795 and 1796 of the 
Bant Bronsdon estate. 

William and Sarah (Ballard) Hawes conveyed to Bant Bronsdon "a 
part of dwelling house of which the other part belonged to Mary Russell, 
Bartholomew Ballard and Daniel Ballard. Josiah Batcheller and wife 
Hannah (Ballard) also conveyed their part of the property which they had 
purchased of Elijah Ballard of Beverly and that portion set off to Mary 
Ballard." Hannah Ballard also deeded '' Flatts at West Boston," on Leverett 
Street, to Bant Bronsdon. 

The last of this estate was sold by Joseph Russell Bronsdon in 1844. 
The vacant land had been built over, a narrow street. Copper (now Brighton) 
laid out, and other improvements made by the guardians of the children for 
their benefit. The history of these children is given in detail in the follow- 
ing pages. 



11 



162 PART I. 



(601) Harriet A. Smith Bronsdon^ (Bant^ Bant^, Benj.^ Robt.^). 

(601) Harriet Adaline Smith Broxsdok^ Avas the oldest daughter 
of (286) Bant BI•onsdou^ Jr., and his wife, Deborah (Jackson). She was 
b. in Boston, Nov. 25, 1786 ; m. Sept. 5, 1806, Peter Vallette, son of 
David and Abigail (Milliken) Vallette of Boston. Peter Vallette was b. in 
Boston, May 27, 1783 ; d. in Cincinnati, 0., Oct. 3, 1825. Mrs. Vallette d. 
at Cincinnati, 0., May 27, 1865. They were m. by Eev. Thomas Baldwin 
of Boston; public records give Oct. 19, 1806. 

Children ; records taken from family Bibles ; only one is now living 
(May, 1901) : 

(608) i i/e7i?y FaZZe^e, b.'in Boston, July 11, 1807; d. in Cincinnati, 

0., June 8, 1879 ; m. Sally Julia Carley. Seven children. 
See below. 

(609) ii Harriet' Vallette, b. in Boston, Jan. 9, 1809 ; d. at Louisville, 
^ ^ Ky., June 10, 1881 ; m. Oswald McDonald. Eight children. 

See below. 

(610) iii Joseph' Vallette, b. in Boston, Jan. 21, 1811 ; d. in Cincinnati, 

U., Oct. 13, 1824. . 

(611) iv. Benjamin Ayers' Vallette, b. in Boston, Dec. ly, 1813; d. m 

(jincinnati, 0., May 13, 1832. 

(612) v. Henrietta Maria.' Vallette, b. in Cincinnati, 0., May 9, 1815; 

d. July 14, 1842 ; single. nioi- 

(613) vi Frederic Augustus' Vallette, b. in Cincinnati, 0., Feb. 9, 181 < ; 

d. at Glen Elder, Kan., June 25, 1890. See below. 

(614) vii. Adeline' Vallette, b. Dec. 2, 1818 ; d. in infancy. 

(615) viii Edward' Vallette, b. in Cincinnati, 0., Oct. 23, 1820 ; m. Selina 

Richards ; no children. Res. at Albion, 111. (Aug., 1900). 

(616) ix. Noble Smith' Vallette, b. Aug. 9, 1822; d. aged 1 yr. _ 

(617) X William Peter' Vallette, b. in Cincinnati, 0., May lo, 18wO ; 

d. at Albion, 111., Nov. 13, 1896 ; m. Laura Williams. Four- 
teen children. See below. 



Biography. 
(601) Mrs. Harriet A. S. Vallette lost both parents by death when quite 
young. Mrs. Curtis became her guardian. As her father left an estate, his 
children were provided for. They were received into the homes of their 
father's relatives. Harriet (or, as sometimes spelled, ''Harriot"), it is 
thought, went to reside with her Aunt Curtis. (See Sarah Bant Bronsdon.) 
Her property was managed by Samuel Chamberlain, merchant, of Boston, 
and Joseph Newell, merchant, of Charlestown, during her minority. At 
about 20 years of age she married Mr. Peter Vallette, who, on his father's 
side, was of Huguenot descent. His mother was the daughter of Mr. 



BKONSDON FAMILY. IQ^ 



Thomas Milliken of the North End <.C r..,ston, who was forccl t,. leave 
Boston on account of liis royalist principles. (See Appendix, Vallettes.) 
In 1814 the patrimony of Mrs. Vallette, consisting of real estate on Leverett 
Street, was sold, and, with her husband and four children, she emigrated to 
Ohio, then " a land of promise " for New Englandcrs. The Vallettes settled 
at Cincinnati. The journey Avas toilsome and Oliio seemed very mucli out 
of the world, but the Vallettes had plenty of courage, ^\v. \'allette liad 
been in the business of '' coach-trimming " in Boston. From the old Direc- 
tories Ave learn that his place of business was opposite the Common, on what 
is now Tremont Street. The Common then embraced Park Street and tlie 
Granary Burial Ground. Coach-trimming included the adjustment of leather 
and metal adjuncts to wheeled vehicles: also painting, as well as upliolster- 
ing the inside of coaches in cloth, etc. Tt was an excellent business, and 
Mr. Vallette would doubtless have achieved success had he remained in 
Boston ; but, when he left, business was exceedingly dull and money very 
scarce. His wife's brother had gone to Canada, her sisters were married 
and living in New Hampshire and Maine, and her youngest brother was at 
his Uncle William Bronsdon's, in Worcester County. The " West " was tlie 
subject of conversation everywhere, and rosy stories told of golden opportu- 
nities there. Mr. Vallette, however, did not live many years after he settled 
in Cincinnati, and Mrs. Vallette was left widowed Avith a large family of 
children, the youngest less than six months. Although greatly depressed 
by the loss of her excellent husband, Mrs. Vallette met her trials with 
fortitude. Her oldest son, Henry, who Avas 17 at the time of his father's, 
death, was very like him, and Mrs. Vallette found in him a helper, as well 
as a solace to her attiiction. Her home Avas in plenty and comfort witlk 
this son in the closing years of her life. 

Mrs. Vallette Avas fond of useful reading, and inspired like tastes in the 
minds of 'her children. With her husband, she Avas charter member of the 
First Baptist Church in Cincinnati. Mr. Vallette Avas a deacon, and ]\Irs. 
Vallette kept up her interest in church all through her long and useful life. 
She abounded in reminiscences of her youth in Boston, and sometimes told 
the story of her mother Vallette's adventures in Lexington just before the 
battle, Avhich is related, probably by Mr. Vallette's sister, in a letter to the 
Transcript, a Boston paper. (See Appendix, Vallette.) 

It has been remarked of JNIrs. Vallette, that she was inclined to assert 
her own opinions to the exclusion of others' ; but without confidence and 
aggressiveness, the world Avould make slow progress. There Avas mueli in 
lier life as a pioneer to develop self-reliance. Slie Avas certainly an admi- 
rable woman, who did her duty in times which demanded action as Avell as 
simple endurance, and thus proA^ed herself worthy of the respect and grati- 
tude of her numerous descendants. 



164 PART I. 

(608) Henry« Vallette (Harriet A. S.^ BANT^ Bant^ BENJ.^ Bobt.I). 

(608) Hexry Vallette, oldest child of (601) Harriet A. S. and Peter 
Vallette, was b. in Boston, on Nassau Street, July 11, 1807, and consequently 
was about 7 years old when he removed to Cincinnati, 0., with his parents. 
He m. in Cincinnati, Sally Julia Carley, Sept. 25, 1828, who was dau. of 
Sally Gano (Thane) and Dr. William W. Carley of Blenheim, N. Y., where 
she was b. June 9, 1812, and d. in Cincinnati, July 30, 1846. Mr. Henry 
Vallette d. June 8, 1879. 

Children, seven in number, all b. in Cincinnati, 0. : 

(618) i. Julia Eliza' Vallette, b. Oct. 11, 1829 ; d. Feb. 23, 1830. 

(619) ii. William Carleif Vallette, b. Apr. 30, 1831 ; d. July 9, 1861, at 

Washington, D. C. He m. Oct. 6, 1858, Rosalind A. Smith, 
dau. of Elizabeth (Walton) and Caleb Blood Smith (Secretary 
of the Interior in President Lincoln's Cabinet). Mrs. Rosalind 

A. Vallette d. about 1865, Mr. Vallette having d. before her. 
They left one son : 

(620) i. JVilliano H.^ Vallette, b. in Cincinnati, 0., Oct. 20, 
1860 ; m. in Philadelphia, Pa., Pannie Bent 
Caldwell, who d. in Philadelphia, Mar. 23, 1899 ; 
W. H. Vallette d. in Kansas City, Mo., Aug. 7, 
1896. 

(621) iii. Hennj Miller'' Vallette, b. Nov. 19, 1833 ; d. in infancy. 

(622) iv. Heni'ij Thane'' Vallette, b. Feb. 5, 1837 ; d. in infancy. 

(623) V. Laura'' Vallette, b. June 23, 1840 ; m. Mr. John A. Gano. See 

below. 

(624) vi. SaraW Vallette, b. Sept. 20, 1842 ; m. Mr. Henry Mills Day. 

See below. 

(625) vii. Julia/ Vallette, b. Feb. 27, 1845; d. Aug. 15, 1866 ; m. Richard 

B. Wright. See below. 



Biography of (608) Henry Vallette. 

Mr. Vallette was a prominent citizen of Cincinnati, Ohio, where he 
resided for about sixty-five years. When a young man, he engaged in the 
hat and fur business ; but later in life was a banker, with Roland Ellis. 
He had just severed this business connection, intending to form a new one, 
when his wife died, in 1846. She was a lady of singularly lovely character, 
and his grief at her loss so prostrated him that he relinquished his plans at 
the time and never afterward engaged in active business. He was a man 
of a high sense of personal and business honor, quick to resent any imputa- 
tion on either. He was endowed with strong affections, though reserved in 
their expression, had great family pride, and ever showed himself most 



BRONSDON FAMILY. 1G5 



generous as son, brother and parent. Although unable to go to scliool after 
he was fourteen years old, yet, as he possessed naturally a strong intellect 
and an excellent memory, he became a well-informed and intelligent man. 



(633) Laura' Vallette (Henry", Harriet A. S.^ \',\\\\ \\\st\ 

Ben J.-, RoBT.^). 

(623) Laura Vallette, fifth child of (G08) Henry and Sally .1. (Carlcy) 
Vallette, was b. in Cincinnati, 0., June 23, 1840; m. June 15, ISSO, Mr. 
John A. Gano, b. May 17, 182G, and son of John A. and Catherine M. 
(Hubbell) Gano. Mr. Gano d. Jan. 15, 1898. 

Ch ildren : 

(626) i. Jo/ui Vallette^ Gano, b. July 3, 1881, in Xow Vork City; entered 

Harvard University, Class of 1904. 

(627) ii. Kafherme Vallette^ Gano, h. Jan. 30, 1884, in Cincinnati, O. 

Mrs. Gano res. at College Hill, Cincinnati, O., but is at the present time 
sojourning (1901) in Cambridge, with her children. Mr. Gano was a suc- 
cessful business man. He was a distant cousin of his wife's, being 
descended from the New York family of Gano, who were noted during the 
Revolutionary War for illustrious services, and have many professional and 
scholarly men among them. 



(634) Sarah'' Vallette (Henry®, Harriet A. S.*, Bant*, Bant', 

Benj.'-, Robt.^). 

(624) Sarah Vallette was the sixth child of (608) Henry and Sally 
J. (Carley) Vallette, and was b. Sept. 20, 1842, in Cincinnati, 0. ; m. Dec. 21, 
1868, Henry Mills Day (see Day genealogy), and resides in New York City. 

Children, h. in New York : 

(628) i. Laura Vallette^ Day, b. June 15, 1869. 

(629) ii. Henry Vallette^ Day, b. May 11, 1873. 

(630) iii. Sherman^ Day, b. Sept. 7, 1874. 



(635) Julia" Vallette (Henry®, Harriet A. S.^ Bant*, Bant^ 

Benj.^, Roirr.^j. 

(625) Julia Vallette was the seventh and youngest child of (608) 
Henry and Sally J. (Carley) Vallette, and was b. Feb. 27, 1845, in Cincin- 
nati, 0. ; m. Aug. 27, 1865, Richard B. AVright. ■ 

Mrs. Wright d. at Nashville, Tenn., Aug. 15, 1866, and Mr. Wright 
d. at St. Louis, Mo., Sept. 26, 1886. 



166 PART I. 



Child : 



(631) i. Julian Vallette^ Wright, b. Aug. 13, 1866, in Kashville, Tenn. ; 
m. in Milwaukee, i\Iich., Oct. 12, 189o, Kathevine Mason, dau. 
of Mary White (McClure) and George Gates Bellows. They 
have two children : 

(632) i. Valh'fte'* Wright, b. July 31, 1896, in Cincin- 

nati, 0. 

(633) ii. Thane Belloy-s^ Wright, b. May 1, 1899, at Mil- 

waukee, Mich. 



(609) Harriet®, Vallette (Harriet A. S.^ Bant*, Bant^, 

BENJ.^ EOBT.^). 

(609) Harriet® Vallette, second child of (601) Harriet A. S. (Bronsdou) 
and Peter Vallette, was b. in Boston on Portland Street, Jan. 9, 1809, and 
was six years old when she removed to Cincinnati, 0., with her parents. 
She m. Aug. 17, 1829, Oswald McDonald of Cincinnati, who was b. in 
District of Columbia. He d. away from home in 1850. Mrs. McDonald 
d. at Louisville, Ky., June 10, 1881. 

Children : 

(634) i. Julia^ lIcDonald, b. June — , 1830 ; d. young. 

(635) ii. Elizabeth'' McDonald, b. June 17, 1831 ; m. C. T. Wells. See 

below. 

(636) iii. OsioaW McDonald, b. Aug. 6, 1835 ; d. Oct., 1835. 

(637) iv. Lxicy Ann' McDonald, b. Aug. 10, 1838 ; d. Sept., 1839. 

(638) V. Oswald' McDonald, b. Jan. 30, 1840 ; d. Aug., 1862. Mr. 0. 

McDonald belonged to the 6th Kentucky Regt., C. S. A. 
This regiment, with the 8th and 9th, formed the famous 
'' Orphan Brigade." He was wounded at the battle of Shiloh. 
While on the march, to Baton Eouge, in August, 1862, he was 
drowned (smothered in quicksand). 

(639) vi. Charles'' McDonald, b. May 1, 1841 ; d. Mar. 19, 1870, was in 

the Southern army. 

(640) vii. Hennf McDonald, b. Aug. 6, 1835 ; d. May 11, 1888 ; m. Oct. 24, 

1865, Elizabeth Pvose Evans, dau. of Mr. S. Evans, of Welsh 
descent. She d. Sept. 5, 1888. Two children, one of whom 
d. young in 1889 ; the other : 

(641) i. Silas^ McDonald, a dentist, m., and has children. 
Cannot obtain his record. 

(642) viii. Henrietta Vallette'' McDonald, b. Mar. 22, 1845; m. W. R. 
McKenzie. See below. 



BRONSUON FAMILY. IHT 



(635) Elizabeth Vallette'' McDonald (Hakkikt'', IIahimi t A. S.', 

Bant^ Bant', Bknj.^, Rokt.\). 

She was the second chikl of (009) Harriet (Vallette) and Oswald 
]\[cDonald, and was b. in Cincinnati, 0., June 17, 1831 ; m. at Louisville, 
Ky., Nov. 1, 1849, Columbus Theodore Wells, who Avas b. in .IclTerson Co., 
Ky., Dec. 5, 1824. He is a dealer in marbles, of the firm of Wells lirothors, 
Madisonville, Ky. 

Mr. and Mrs. Wells celebrated their golden wedding, Nov. 1, 1899. To 
them have been born twelve cliildren, ten of whom are living, three at 
Waco, Tex. ; one in Christian Co., Ky. ; one at Hanson, Ky. ; and the other 
live at Madisonville. 

Children : 

(643) i. Katie Valeria^ Wells, b. Sept. 9, 1850 ; m. K. M. Glover. See 

below. 

(644) ii. Theodore Henri/ Wells, b. Apr. L'9, 1852; m. H. L. Triml)le. 

See below. 

(645) iii. Horner'^ Wells, b. Apr. 9, 1854 ; m. Ruby McGee. See below. 

(646) iv. Charlie^ Wells, b. Aug. 29, 1856; d. June 30, 1875. 

(647) V. JS77ima^ Wells, b. Jan. 14, 1859 ; m. J. W. Gooch. See below. 

(648) vi. John Frank^ Wells, b. Jan. 4, 1861 ; m. Queen Jackson. See 

below. 

(649) vii. Minnie Lee^ Wells, b. July 30, 1863; m. J. A. Cheek. See 

below. 

(650) viii. Ifajor James^ Wells, b. Oct. 4, 1865 ; m. Annie V>. Sugg. See 

below. 

(651) ix. Henrietta^ Wells, b. Sept. 21, 1867 ; res. with parents. 

(652) X. Sallie^ Wells, b. Apr. 16, 1871 ; m. Thomas Warren Rash, Sept. 

19, 1894, who d. at Los Angeles, Cal., :\Iar. 11, 1896. 

(653) xi. Walter S.^ Wells, b. Mar. 5, 1873 ; res. with parents. 

(654) xii. Jacob Wirt^ Wells, b. Sept. 22, 1875; res. with parents. 



Golden Wedding of Mr. and Mrs. C. T. Wells. 
Nov. 1, 1849 — 1899. 

Mr. and Mrs. Wells were married in Louisville, Ky., by Rev. J. S. 
Kirtly, who is still living. This Golden Wedding was celebrated in a fitting 
manner. Cards had been issued to friends, and at tlie appointed time these 
guests began to arrive at the home of the bride and groom of fifty years ago. 

Their beautiful home was on this occasion more beautiful than ever. 
It was handsomely decorated, and the couple were all smiles to welcome 
those who came to honor the event. While it is true there are wrinkles on 
the faces, and the hair has whitened on the heads of these good people, yet 
their hearts are still young and warm. 



168 PART r. 

Tlie guests were invited out to a luncheon, and not Epicurus could have 
gotten up a more tempting array of good things than did the ones who 
prepared tlie food for the guests. 

Friends did not forget to send to them many tokens of kind remem- 
brance. Silverware lined Avith gold, and some of pure gold, besides glass 
and other gifts of value, were sent. There were presents from friends both 
far and near, valued for their intrinsic worth, but still more on account of 
the motives that prompted the giving. 

Mr. Wells and his bride looked well on this occasion. They were 
happy. For fifty years they have traveled on life's journey side by side. 
While perhaps at times the pathway was not entirely smooth, yet the two 
together surmounted all obstacles. They have reared a large family of 
children ; twelve have been born to them, ten of whom remain on earth to 
bless their declining days. Not one of these has ever brought aught but 
hotior and happiness to their parents. 

While Mr. and Mrs. Wells are yet vigorous for their years, it is certain 
that the most of life is behind them. The shadows are lengthening; they 
have ascended to the top of the hill of life, and are going down the decline 
that leads to the separation of things of this world from the world to come. 
The step is not quite so elastic, the eye not quite so bright, the hopes not 
quite so high as Avhen, a half century ago, these two started out in life 
together. 

Very few people have been blessed as these have been. Others have 
been bereaved of companions. Others, who started out on the same journey 
in life with them, have dropped out of the race. They have been blessed 
and have, in their turn, been a blessing to others. May their last days be 
their brightest and happiest and their best. — From Glenn^s Graphic, Madi- 
sonville, Ky. 



(643) Katie Valeria^ Wells (Elizabeth V.'^, Harriet®, Harriet A. S.^, 

Bant^, Bant^, Benj.^, Eobt.^). 

Katie Valeria Wells, dau. of (635) Elizabeth V. and C. T. Wells, 
was b. Sept. 9, 1850 ; m. at Calhoun, Ky., Sept. 9, 1870, Eobert M. Glover. 
Mrs. Glover d. Feb. 18, 1897. 

Six Ch ildreii : 

i^iho) i. Lizzie" Glover, b. Nov. 21, 1871 ; d. Dec. 24, 1895 ; m. Nov. 21, 
1889, at Calhoun, Ky., James Tanner, and had child : 

i^^'o) i. Oswald}^ Tanner, b. , 

(657) ii. Sallie^ Glover, b. July 10, 1874 ; m. , , at Calhoun, 

Ky., Washington Bieler, and has two children : 

(658) i. Elizabeth^" Bieler, b. , 

(659) ii. Lottie^° Bieler, b. .. 



(660) iii. Walker'-' Glover, h. - 

(661) iv. Davi(P Glover, b. — 

(662) V. Williaw,^ Glover, b. 

(663) vi. Horner^ Glover, b. — 



"J 



BRONSDON FAMILY. Ujtj 



((544) TiiEODOKE Henuy^ Wells (Emzaukiii V.", Hakkikt". II aukiki 
A. S.^ Bant", Bant*, Ben.i.-^ Uoijt.'j. 

Oldest son of (035) Elizabeth V. and C. T. Wells, lie was 1). Apr. l;<>, 
1852; m. Jan. 24, 1882, Hakriet Lawrence Trimble, at I'aducali. Ky. 
He is a physician and res. at Hanson, Ky. 

Four Children : 

(6C)1) i. Trimble Theodore' Wells, b. Aug. 3, 1884. 

(665) ii. Helen Elizabeth^ Wells, b. Sept. 1 6, 1888. 

{Cyi^C}) iii. Lorena Lawrenre^ Wells, b. Apr. 24, 18i)l. 

(667) iv.'Mari/ Dudleif Wells, b. Mar. 17, 1894. 



(645) Homer8 Wells (Elizabeth V.^ Harriet^ Hakimet A. S.*, Bant\ 

Bant", Benj.-, Robt.^). 

He is the third child of (635) Elizabeth Y. and C. T. Wells, and was b. 

Apr. 9, 1854 ; m. Dec. 2, 1885, Kuby McGee of Waco, Tex. 

Child : 



568) i. Horner'^ Wells, Jr., h. JVIar. 8, 1891, at Waco, where the family 
resides. 



(647) Emma* Wells (Elizabeth V.'', Harriet®, Harriet A. S.^ Bant% 

Bant", Benj.-, Robt.^). 

She is the fifth child of (635) Elizabeth V. and C. T. Wells, and was b. 
Jan. 14, 1859 ; ni. Sept. 11, 1883, Joseph W. Gooch, at Madisonville, Ky. 
Mr. Gooch and Mr. John Erank Wells are dealers and manufacturers of 
granite and marble monu.ments, under the firm name of J. ^^'. Goocli ».^ Co. 
They res. at Waco, Tex. 

Children : 

(669) i. Aubre)/ LytUm^ Gooch, b. Aug. 2, 1884. 

(670) ii. WiUnj t} Gooch, b. Dec. 22, 1885. 

(671) iii. Chjde^ Gooch, b. Dec. 18, 1887 ; d. June 3, 1888. 

(672) iv. Joseph HaroW Gooch, b. Sept. 9, 1889. 

(673) V. Edith Louise^ Gooch, b. Sept. 3, 1893 ; d. Dec. 6, 1893. 

(674) vi. Elizabeth Lucil,''* Gooch, b. Apr. 17, 1895. 

(675) vii. Joe W.^ Gooch, Jr., b. Nov. 13, 1900. 



(648) John Frank^ AYells (Elizabeth V.", Harriet^ Harriet A. S.^ 

Bant", Bant", Benj.^, Robt.^). 

John Frank Wells, sixth child of (635) Elizabeth Y. and C. T. Wells, 
was b. Jan. 4, 1861 ; ni. at Waco, Tex., Mar. 28, 1889, Queen Jackson. Mr. 
AYells is in partnership Avith his brother-in-hiw, Air. Gooch, in the marble 
monument business. He res. at A\'aco, Tex. 



170 PART I. 

Children : 

(676) i. Ola^ Wells, b. Dec. 14. 1889. 

(677) ii. Jackson B.' Wells, h. Aug. 10, 1891. 



(649) Minnie Lee« Wells (Elizabeth V.^ Harriet^, Harriet A. S.^ 

Bant*, Bant^ Benj.^ Robt.^). 

Minnie Lee Wells, seventh cliild of (635) Elizabeth V. and C. T. 
Wells, was b. July 30, 1863 ; m. at Madison ville, Ky., Eev. John S. Cheek, 
July SO, 1885. Mr. Cheek is pastor of the First Baptist Church at Russell- 
ville, Ky. 

Four Children : 

(678) i. John Frcmk^ Cheek, b. Apr. 26, 1886. 

(679) ii. Mfijor OswahP Cheek, h. Jan. 2, 1889. 

(680) iii. Oscar Henri/ Cheek, b. Dec. 4, 1894. 

(681) iv. Laurence McKenzie"^ Cheek, b. Aug. 12, 1898. 



(650) Major James^ Wells (Elizabeth V.'', Harrlet^ Harriet A. S.^ 

Bant*, BANT^ Benj.-, Eobt.i). 

Major J. Wells is the eighth child of (635) Elizabeth Y. and C. T. 
Wells ; was b. Oct. 4, 1865 ; m. Oct. 30, 1897, Annie Belle Sugg. They 
res. at Madisonville, Ky. He deals in granite monuments, marble tiling, 
stone curbing, etc. 

One Child: 
(682) i. James Donald Wells, b. Aug. 29, 1897. 

The remaining children of Mr. and Mrs. C T. Wells, viz., Henrietta, 
Walter S. and Jacob W. Wells, reside with their parents and are unmarried. 



(643) Henrietta Vallette'^ McDonald (Harriet®, Harriet A. S.^ 

Bant*, Bant«, Benj.^ Eobt.^). 

Henrietta V. McDonald was the eighth and youngest child of (609) 
Harriet (Vallette) and Oswald McDonald, and was b. Mar. 22, 1845 ; m. 
Oct. 13, 1869, William Eoderick McKenzie, son of Alexander and Eosa L. 
(Biggs) McKenzie. Mr. McKenzie d. in New Orleans, Apr. 1, 1877. Mrs. 
McKenzie res. at Louisville, Ky. 

Children : 

(683) i. William Henri/ McKenzie, b. Nov. 27, 1870 ; d. 1872. 

(684) ii. Frederick Vallette^ McKenzie, b. Sept. 7, 1873 ; single. 

(685) iii. Laura Custis^ McKenzie, b. Oct. 28, 1874. 



BRONSDON FAMILY. 171 



Alexander McKenzie, the fatlier of William li., came to Cliarlefiton, 
S. C, when 21 years of age. He was b. Apr. I'O. 1803, and iiiarrh-d Kosa 
Letitia, dau. of James and Anne Biggs (b. Aug. 21, 1807). Thov h:id ten 
children, of whom the fourth was William E. McKenzie, b. in Cheraw, S. C, 
Aug. 17, 183o. His father dying in 184G, he was sent to Hanover College 
in Indiana. After leaving college he lived for awhile at Mol)ilo, .\la.. and 
then in New Orleans, La., where he was in 18G1. He enlisted in the 21st 
Louisiana Infantry, C.S.A. ; through promotion became Captain of Co. C ; 
served until surrendered in 1865. He returned to New Orleans, wliere he 
resided until his death. 



(613) Frederic Augustus^ Vallette (Harriet A. S.% Bant\ B.\nt», 

Ben J.-, RoBT.^). 

(613) Frederic Augustus Vallette, sixth child of (601) Harriet A. S. 
(Bronsdon) and Peter Vallette, was b. in Cincinnati, 0., Feb. 9, 1817; d. at 
Glen Elder, Kans., June 25, 1890 ; is buried at Bellefontaine Cemetery, 8t. 
Louis, Mo. He m. July 23, 1815, Marcy Axx Field of South Scituate, R. I. 
She was b. Mar. 25, 1816 ; her parents were Thomas and Thankful (AVinsor) 
Field. Her lineal ancestor was John Field, who came to Ilhode Island in 
1637 with Roger Williams, and settled at Field's Point. 

Frederic A. Vallette was employed by his brother Henry in the hat and 
fur trade until 1855, when he removed to Belleville, Til., and engaged in the 
lumber business. He sawed the lumber on an eighteen-acre tract of land 
north of Cairo, 111., and made cracker boxes to send hardtack in to the 
soldiers of the Union Army. He was much annoyed by attacks from a 
band of guerillas led by the noted Jeff Thompson. Twice his mill was 
burned. JMr. Vallette much resembled his mother in many of her finer 
traits. He belonged to the Baptist Church. His widow resides at Glen 
Elder, Kans., with her son, Thomas Bronsdon'^ Vallette. 

Children, seven in number, as follows : 

(686) i. Julia Anne' Vallette, b. at Cincinnati, Aug. 23, 1847; m. Theo- 

dore C!ornelius Coffey and res. at Tonica, HI. ]\[r. Coffey is a 
Baptist minister. Five children. See behjw. 

(687) ii. Horace FieW Vallette, b. Sept. 18, 1849, at Cincinnati ; m. Emily 

Woods and had seven children. See below. He m. second, 
Mrs. L. E. Haines. 
i^%^) iii. Thomas Bronsdon' Vallette, b. Sept. 16, 1851. at Cincinnati, O. ; 
\\\. Fannie Jane Atherton ; res. at Glen Elder, Kans. ; five 
children ; see below. 

(689) iv. Chnrles Augustus'^ Vallette, b. Mar. 9. 1854; m. S. E. Loomis ; 

four children. Res. at St. Louis, j\Io. See below. 

(690) V. Frederic F? Vallette, b. Mar. 20, 1856, at lielleville. 111. ; m. Clara 

Lee, Sept. 3, 1879. Res. at St. Louis, Mo. One child : 

(691) i. Annie Lee^ Vallette, b. in St. Louis, Mo., Apr. 30, 
1881. 



172 PART I. 



(692) vi. Harriet Maria' Vallette, b. June 20, 1859, at Belleville, 111. ; 

m. David Hicks Thomasson ; four children. Res. in Glen 
Elder, Kans. See below. 

(693) vii. William Henrip Vallette, b. , ; unmarried, and res. 

at Lansing, Mich. 

Mr. and Mrs. Frederic Vallette visited their relatives in Boston in 
January, 1851. They had with them their oldest two children. 



(686) Julia Axxe Vallette'' (Frederic A.^, Harriet A. S.^, Bant*, 

Bant^, Bexj.-, Eobt.^). 

(686) Julia Anne Vallette'', first child of Frederick A. and Marcy 
(Field) Vallette was b. at Cincinnati, 0., Aug. 23, 1847 ; m. Eev. Theodore 
Cornelius Coffey, Jan. 28, 1875, at Upper Alton, 111. 

Cliihlren of Rev. and Mrs. Coffey : 

(694) i. Marian Grace^ Coffey, b. in Appleton, Wis., July 5, 1878. 

(695) ii. Itoij Vallette^ Coffetj, b. in Spencer. Ind., Oct. 25, 1879. 

(696) iii. Margaret Ruth^ Coffey, b. in Sabetha, Kans., Aug. 28, 1883. 

(697) iv. Carrie Lanra^ Coffey, b. in Yates Centre, Kans., July 20, 1886. 

(698) V. Mary Alice' Cofe?/, b. in Griggsville, 111., June 15, 1890; 

d. Dec. 27, 1891. 

They res. at Tonica, 111. 



(687) Horace Field'' Vallette (Frederick A.^, Harriet A. S.^, 

Bant*, Baxt^, Bexj.'-, Robt.^). 

(687) Horace Field'' Vallette, second child of Frederick A. and 
Marcy (Field) Vallette, was b. Sept. 18, 1849, at Cincinnati, 0. ; m. Miss 
Emily Woods at Marysville, Kans., Oct. 24, 1871. She was b. at Scales 
Mound, Jo Daviess Co., 111., Sept. 22, 1854, and was dau. of Curtis Woods 
(b. Jan. 11, 1816, near Rogersville, Tenn. ; d. Oct. 24, 1888), and Jane 
Elizabeth Woods (b. Aug. 28,1823; d. Mar. 5, 1893). Mrs. Emily Val- 
lette d. at Glen Elder, Kans., Sept. 22, 1895. The Vallettes are members of 
the Baptist Church. Mr. Vallette is a merchant at Glen Elder. 

He m. second, Mrs. Louisa Ellen (Woods) Haines, on Feb. 24, 1898, 
at Randolph, Kans., a sister of his first wife ; she was b. Feb. 27, 1857, at 
Scales Mound, 111. To the union of Horace F. and Emily Vallette were 
b. seven children, all at Glen Elder : 

(699) i. Halcyon Bird' Vallette, b. June 7, 1873 ; d. Feb. 2, 1874. 

(700) ii. Fannie Evangeline' Vallette, b. Nov. 21, 1874. 

(701) iii. Julian Frederic' Vallette, b. Feb. 14, 1878. 

(702) iv. Curtis Fugene' Vallette, b. Aug. 14. 1881. 

(703) V. Horace Berjiard' Vallette, b. Oct. 24, 1882. 

(704) vi. Ruth Opal' Vallette, b. Jan. 1, 1889 

(705) vii. Esther Lorene' Vallette, b. May 11, 1894. 



BRONSDON KAMILV, 17;5 



(688) Thomas JJkoxsdon" Vai.lette (FitioDKUK; A.", Haimciki A. S.", 

BantS IJant', 15KXJ.2, KoijT.J). 

(688) Thomas Bkonsdon'' Vai.lkttk, third child of ((;i;;^ Fnjdcric 
Augustus and Marcy A. (Field) Vallette, was b. in Cincinnati, ()., Sopt. 10, 
1851; ni. at Cairo, 111, Oct. 25, 1872, Fannik Jank Atlierton ; h. Sept. 5, 
1853, at Thebes, 111., and dau. of Francis Decatur Athertoii (b. at Villa 
Ridge, 111., Oct. 5, 1824), and Marilla J. (Nicker) (b. 1852 in Mississippi Co., 
Mo., and d. 1861). 

Thomas Bronsdon'^ Vallette resides at Glen Elder, Kans., and with liiiu 
lives his widowed mother. lie is a merchant. 



Six Childre 



n 



(706) i. Ernest Bernard'' Vallette, b. Oct. 10, 1873, at Upper Alton. 111. ; 

m. Sept. 7, 1896, Maude Kinney of Tacoma, Wash. 

(707) ii. Thomas Charles^ Valh'tte, b. Dec. 5, 1875, in Alexander Co., HI. 

(708) lii. Frank Edward^ Vallette, b. Dec. 18, 1878, in Alexander Co.. HI. 

(709) iv. Howard Leslie^ Vallette, b. Dec. 1, 1882, in Alexander Co., 111. : 

d. Sept. 20, 1894, as the result of an accident on the railroad. 

(710) V. Margaret Irene^ Vallette, b. June 4, 1891, at Glen Flder, Kans. 

(711) vi. Lt/le Herbert^ Vallette, b. Nov. 27, 1893, at Glen Elder, Kans. 



(689) Charles Augustus" Vallette (Frederic A.^, Harriet A. S.^ 

Bant*, Bant^, Benj.'-, Robt.^). 

He was the fourth child of (613) Frederic A. and i^^al■cy A. (Field) 
Vallette, and was b. in Cincinnati, ()., Mar. 9, 1854 ; m. Oct. 13, 1886, 
Sarah Elizabeth Loomis, who was b. in Hartford, Conn.. -Ian. 23, 1853, 
and dau. of Charles Pierpont Loomis (b. at Whately, Mass., May 10, 1829; 
d. at Hartford, Conn., Apr. 10, 1890) and Helen Amelia Loomis (b. in North- 
ampton, Mass., Nov. 5, 1827 ; d. at Milwaukee, Wis., Aug. 24, 1892). 

Children : 

(712) i. Helen^ Vallette, b. Aug. 13, 1887. 

(713) ii. Julian Loomis^ Vallette, b. Aug. 9, 1888. 

(714) iii. Frederir FiekP Vallette, b. Dec. 31, 1891. 

(715) iv. Alice Maif Vallette, b. July 26, 1894. 



(692) Harriet Maria"^ Vallette (Frederic A.*, Harriet A. S.^ 

Bant^ Bant*, Benj.-, Robt.^). 

She was the sixth child of (613) Frederic A. and Marcy A. (Field) Vallette, 
and was b. in Belleville, 111., June 20, 1859 ; m. in Kansas City, Kans., Oct. 
31, 1888, David Hicks Thomasson, who was b. Aug. 2, 1859, near Dickson, 



174 • PART I. 

Webster Co., Ky., and son of David Hicks and Eliza (Mulhern) Thomasson 
(the former b. Aug. 25, 1825, in Webster Co., and the latter b. Nov. 23,. 
1832, at Cairo, Henderson Co., Ky.). 

Children : 

(716) i. Thomas Henri/ Thomasson, b. Oct. 12, 1889. 

(717) ii. jMari/ Elizabeth^ Thoynasson, b. Mar. 20, 1893. 

(718) iii. Herbert DavicP Thomasson, b. Sept. 17, 1894. 

(719) iv. Russell JVells^ Thomasson, b. Dec. 3, 1896. 



(615) Edwakd^ Vallette (Harriet A. S.^, Bant*, Bant^, Benj.^, Robt.^). 

Edward^ Vallette, eighth child of (601) Harriet A. S. and Peter 
Vallette, was b. in Cincinnati, 0., Oct. 23, 1820, and is now the only surviv- 
ing child of that couple. He m. at Wabash, Ind., Miss Selena Richards, 
dau. of William and Anna Richards. They resided in Pleasantville, Ind., 
where Mr. Vallette was an elder in the Christian Church for twenty years. 
On the breaking up of his home in Pleasantville he went to Albion, 111., 
where he is now with the family of his late brother, AVilliam P. Vallette. 
In 1849 Mr. Vallette went to California. 

Although Mr. Vallette is quite aged and somewhat infirm, he has cheer- 
fully assisted with records and recollections of his family relations, both 
past and present, and has collected and -arranged the names of some twenty- 
five families. He has no children of his own, but is a favorite with his 
numerous nieces and nephews. His genealogical work is a fine example of 
careful, finished records. 



(617) William Peter® Vallette (Harriet A. S.^, Bant^ Bant^ 

Benj.^, Robt.'). 

He was the tenth and youngest child of (601) Harriet A. S. and Peter 
Vallette, and was b. in Cincinnati, 0., May 13, 1825 ; d. Nov. 13, 1896, in 
Albion, 111. He m. Aug. 4, 1843, in Dearborn County, Ind., Miss Laura 
Williams, dau. of John Williams (b. in Indiana ; d. in Hamilton County, 0., 
July 8, 1851). Mrs. Vallette resides in Albion, 111., and with her is her 
widowed daughter, Mrs. Hallani, and grandchildren, and her brother-in-law, 
Edward Vallette. 

Mr. W. P. Vallette was an elder in the Christian Church at Albion, 111., 
for several years. He served in the Civil War in the 152d 111. Vols. Mr. 
and Mrs. Vallette had fourteen children, eleven of whom are living. The 
first child was b. in Dearborn County, Ind., the next seven in Hamilton 
County, 0., and the last six in Albion, 111. Ten daughters and two sons 
have married and all have families, the greater number of whom live near 
their mother. 



BRONSDON FAMILY. 175 



O 



Childreii : 

(720) i. Henrietta Maria'' Vallette, b. Nov. 9, 1844; iii. .Iiily 18, 18G4, 

Saml. Hallam. He d. Oct. 27, 187(). They have liad six 
children ; two are not living ; four are married. 

(721) ii. Mari/ Louise'' Vallette, b. Oct. 5, 1845; m. Aug. 27, 1805, John 

L. Hallam, cousin of Saml. They have had eleven children. 

(722) iii. William Henry'' Vallette. See below. 

(723) iv. Louis Edmard'' Vallette, b. Apr. 19, 1849 ; m. Jan. (l, 1870, Sarah 

E. Taylor. 

Children (George d. in infancy) : 

i. Leonard,^ Vallette, b. Dec. 20, 1871 ; m. Ellen 
Nettleton. 

ii. \Vm. Jolin^ Vallette, b. Aug. 5, 1875; d. Sept., 
1899 ; ni. Apr. 20, 1898, Prudence West and 
had one son, b. Jan. ,'jO, 1899. 

(724) V. Laura Jane'' Vallette, b. Nov. 21, 1850; d. Sept. IG, 18G6. 

(725) vi. TkSnias Bronsdon'' Vallette, b. Jan. 21, 1852 ; d. Dec. 13, 1872. 

(726) vii. JtiUa BrancJi' Vallette, b. Nov. 10, 1854; m. duly 4, 1875, 

Thomas Frankland ; has children (Philip and Laura), both 
m., and live others. 

(727) viii. Sarah FMzaheth'' Vallette, b. Jan. 5, 1857; m. Apr. 12, 1877, 

John Hallam, who d. 1895 ; has children, Philip and Cordelia. 

(728) ix. Harriet Bronsdon'' Vallette, b. Sept. 21, 1858; m. June 5, 1889, 

John Seifert ; children, Orville and Roland. 

(729) X. Isabella^ Vallette, b. Dec. 27, 1860 ; m. 1880, Peter J. Seifert 

and d. May 12, 1895. Mr. Seifert then m. Maggie Hallam, 
niece of his first wife. Four children by first wife. 

(730) xi. Adaline'' Vallette, b. Dec. 18, 1862; m. Mar. 28, 1883, Nathan 

Wilber Byrne ; two children, Sarah L. and Ada M. Res. at 
Calhoun, 111. 

(731) xii. Clara WilUams'' Vallette, b. Feb. 22, 1865 ; m. Dec. 9, 1885, 

Wm. W. Frankland ; has three children, iMyrtle, Florence A. 
and Roy. 

(732) xiii. Ella'' Vallette, b. June 30, 1867 ; m. June 8, 1869, Henj. Taylor 

of Albion, 111. ; three children, Clarence A., Maud and Russell. 

(733) xiv. Grace'' Vallette, b. Mar. 24, 1869; m. Sept. 3, 1890, James Moody 

of Albion, 111. ; two children, Halbert L. and Irena. 



(722) William Henry^ Vallette (William P.^ Hakkiet A. S.^ Baxt*, 

Bant^ Benj.*^, ROBT.^). 

He was the third child of (617) William P. and Laura (AVilliams) 
Vallette, and was b. near Cincinnati, 0., Apr. 16, 1847 ; m. at Knoxville, 
Missouri, Widow Hannah J. (Newbrey) McKinnis, b. Aug. 12, 1860, near 



176 PART I, 

Cincinnati, 0. She had one son, Artie Clement McKinnis, b. June 1, 1872, 
who lived with Mr. Vallette. Mrs. McKinnis became the wife of Mr. 
Yallette, Jan. 24, 1878. Mr. Vallette was a minister of the " Christian 
Denomination," and had charge of all the cluirches of that faith in Rock 
County, Kansas. He was enthusiastic and self-sacrificing in his chosen 
work. In the winter of 1900 he rode many miles in a severe storm, to 
officiate at a funeral. The exposure brought on an illness from which he 
died, Dec. 5, 1900. He left three children : 

(737) , i. Joseph Preston^ Vallette, b. Nov. 28, 1878, at Knoxville, Mo. 

(738) ii. Edward Franklin^ Vallette, b. Dec. 2, 1881, in Osborne Co., Kans. 

(739) iii. lona Ellen^ Vallette, b. Feb. 28, 1886, in Osborne Co., Kans. 



BRONSDON FAMILY. 



I I 



(603) Sakah Carter Bronsdon^ (Bant^ Bant^, liENj.-, Rout.'). 

Sarah Carter Bronsdon^ was the tliird oliild of (L'8G) limit and 
Deborah (Jackson) Broiisdon, and was h. in l>oston, June 25, 1789; 
m. Andrew Allison, Feb. 12, 1810, and d. at Concord, N. H., ]\Iay 1, ISOo. 
Mr. Allison was b. at Dunbarton, N. H., Sept. 18, 1782, and d. Feb. 12, 1822, 
at Northport, Me. In September, 1810, the family had removed to Cas- 
tine. Me. 

Children : 

(740) i. Sarah Catherine^ Allison, b. at Castine, Me., Nov. 22, 1810; 

m. Rev. Mr. French. See below. 

(741) ii. il/ary xi7i;«e*' .•i///.s^;/;., b. at Castine, Me., Sept. 15, 1812 ; (LdulylG, 

1873. 

(742) iii. Andrew^ Allison, b. Dec. 28, 1814; d. Apr. 12, 1845, single. 

(743) iv. Frederick^ Allison, b. at Castine, Me., May 11, 1817; m. first, 

]\Irs. Hannah (Clark) Savory, Aug. 29, 1874, who d., and he 
then m. her sister, Miss Jeanette Clark, July 28, 1883. They 
res. in Concord, N. H., at 93 State Street, which has been Mr. 
Allison's home for 57 years. When a young man, he was a 
book-binder; and in 1847, was employed by Damrell & Moore, 
Boston. He is now at the age of 84, nearly ; in good health, 
with hearing and eyesiglit unimpaired. He has always 
derived much enjoyment from books, and read the history of 
Josephus at the age of 13 years, by firelight, during the 
winter evenings. There are no children. 

(744) V. Harriet'' Allison, b. Sept. 18, 1819 : d. Sept. 19, 1821. 

(745) vi. Harriet Adaline^ Allison, b. July 12, 1822, at Northport, Me. 

(her father d. Feb. 12, 1822). She d., single, Mar. 17, 1848. 



(740) Sarah Catherine" Allison (Sarah C.^ Bant*, Bant=^, 

Benj.-, Robt.^). 

(740) Sarah Catherine*' Allison was b. at Castine, Uo., Nov. 22, 
1810 ; m. Apr. 9, 1839, Rev. Henry S. G. French of Boscawen, N. H. He 
was a missionary, and, with his bride, departed for Bankok, Siam, where 
he d. in 1842. 

Child : 
(746) i. Henry Allison' French, b. at Bankok, Siam, ^lay 10, 1841. On 
the death of his father, Mrs. French returned with her 
infant son to New Hampshire, and lived at the home^ of 
their relatives (mother and brothers) at 93 State Street, Con- 
cord, N. H. Young Henry learned the printers' trade, but his 
health failed somewhat, so that in 1873 he Avent to Colorado. 



12 



178 PART I. 



At Greeley, he bought out the Colorado Sim, which he pub- 
lished until 1889, when he d. His mother d. at his home in 
Greeley, Apr. 9, 1882; and in 1883, Mr. French m. Ellen 
M. Taylor, who was b. in New York State, and taught school 
in Pvutherford, N. J. After the death of Mr. French, she 
resumed teaching in Greeley, Col. 



Children 



(TAT) i. Sarah Taylor^ French, b. Aug. 24, 1884. 
(748) ii. Allison Taylor^ French, b. Oct. 9, 1885. 



BRONSUON FAMILY. 17'.» 



(603) Mary Jacksox Bkonsdon^ (Bant*, Bant', liKN.i.-, limn.'). 

Mary Jacksox Broxsuon^ was the fourth chikl oi' (L'SOj Bunt and 
Deborah (Jackson) Bronadon of Boston, and was 1). on Leverctt Street, Bos- 
ton, Feb. 8, 1701; d. in Coneord, N. 11., dune 10, BSIL'. Slie m. Aug. L'4, 
1810, David Clinton Allison (brother of Andrew, wlio ni. lier sister, Sarah 
C). David C. Allison was b. at Dunbarton, N. II.. Apr. L'7. 1787; d. at 
Concord, N. H., July 1, 1851. lie had a second wife, Mrs. Bider. 

Eleven CliUdren, all by the Hrst wife : 

(749) i. Dnvhl Fxirr^ Allison, b. at Salem, Mass., Apr. 8, BSB*). See 

below. 

(750) ii. j\l<(ri/ Uroiisdir/i^ Allison, h. Aug. 1(J, 1814; spent nuicli of his 

life in Concord, N. H., but d. at the home of her sister, ^Irs. 
Gilman, in Pittsburg, Kansas, Nov. 24, 3 891. 

(751) iii. Siinrh Ann^ AUlson, b. at Peterborough, N. II. , July 24, ISB;; 

m. Feb. 15, 184.'), Wm. Tliayer, who res. at Manchester, 2S. 11. 
She d. at Peterborough, June 18, 184G. 

(752) iv. Eliza Jane^ Allison, b. at Peterborough, N. H., jNIar. 13, 1818 ; 

m. N. A. Foster. See below. 

(753) v. HenrleftaWhite^ Allison (Etta), b. Jan. 24, 1820 ; ni. R.Fletcher. 

See below. 

(754) vi. Henry Alexander^ Allison, b. Sept. 30, 1822; d. June, 1824. 

(755) vii. George^ Allison, b. July 30, 1824. See below. 

(756) viii. Frances Augusta^ Allison (Fannie), b. Sept. 1 G, 182G. See 

below. 

(757) ix. Henrif Allison, b. Nov. 7, 1828. See below. 

(758) X. EnimeUne^ Allison, b. Apr. 21, 1832; m. C. E. Gilman. See 

below. 

(759) xi. Manj Ellen Narla^ Allison (Nellie), b. July l(j, 1834; m. 18G0, 

Dr. Asa F. Pattee. She was a school-teacher before marriage, 
and taught in Concord, N. H., and So. xVmesbury, Mass. She 
d. Mar. 10, ISGo. No children. 

In the year 1810, a certain portion of the estate of Bant Bronsdon of 
Boston, deceased, was set off to his daughters, Mary and ••'Sally" Allison, 
.<'two lots of land, each measuring 18 ft. and 4 in., on Leverett Street, and 
60 feet in depth," being one seventh of the estate for each daughter. After 
the division, the Allisons sold their shares of the Bronsdon estate very soon. 
Their brother, Joseph Pvussell Bronsdon^ retained his sliare and also that of 
their half-brother. Bant Bronsdon^ Jr., which he purchased, until 1844. (See 
Book 235, leaf 7, Suffolk Deeds.) Chis estate is described under (286) Bant 
Bronsdon, the father of Mary and Sarah (familiarly called Polly and Sally. 



180 PART I. 

and their sister Anue was called Nancy). These three ladies m. into 
Dunbarton, IST. H., families, Dunbarton being abont eight miles from Con- 
cord, N. H. 

See also biography of ( ) Sarah Bant (Bronsdon) Curtis, who was 
their guardian during their minority. 



Biography. 

(603) Mary Jackson Bronsdon^, who m. David Clinton Allison, was b. 
in Boston, on Leverett Street. Her parents both d. while she was a child, 
and she was brought up by one of her father's sisters, in Boston. She and 
her sister Sarah became acquainted with the young Allison brothers of Dun- 
barton, jST. H., and Sarah m. Andrew Allison, in February, 1810, and Mary 
m. David C. Allison in the following August. Both ladies then res. with 
their husbands, in Dunbarton. A third sister, Anne Bronsdon, went to 
Dunbarton also, and was there m. to Mr. Lore Brigham, and remained there 
all her long life; but the Allisons soon removed, David C. to Salem, and 
later to Castine, Me. ; but in 1816 they were at Peterborough, IST. H., and 
finally, they returned to Concord, N. H. Mr. Allison had learned the trade 
of a hatter in his youth, in Charlestown, Mass. He engaged in business in 
the different places, Avhere he afterward lived. While in Castine, during 
the British occupation, several English officers were quartered upon the 
Allisons. Mrs. Mary Allison was remarkable for her beauty, and was 
regarded with admiration by her unwelcome guests, but her studied dignity 
of demeanor repressed all attempt at its expression. She was as good as 
she was handsome, and had many friends who were ready to speak in her 
praise twenty years after her death. The small portrait, painted when she 
was about 30 years old, gives but little idea of her appearance : but even in 
that, her large, lustrous, dark eyes, are evident "real Bronsdon eyes" — and 
were matched by the velvet softness of her complexion. Two of the chil- 
dren of Mr. and Mrs. David C. Allison are now living — one in Kansas, and 
the other in Illinois. 



(749) David Barr« Allison (Mary J.^ Baxt^ Baxt'', Bexj.-, Eobt.^). 

D. B. Allisox learned the printers' trade. He lived at Sanbornton 
Square, Laconia, and Concord, X. H. He m. first, Pauline M. Lane, dan. of 
Jos. H. Lane of Sanbornton, N. H., who d. in 1850, leaving no children. 
He then m. second, Mrs. Elivra (Nutting) Tracy of Claremont, IST. H., in 
1851. She was dau. of Timothy and Elizabeth (Quinton) Nutting. She d. 
September, 1854, leaving a babe five weeks old. ISIr. Allison d. at Bath, 
Me., July 16, 1866. He was highly respected for his excellent character. 





•'...A 



-J 



C603) MARY JACKSON BRONSDON"' 
m. DAVID C. ALLISON. 



BRONSDON BWMILY. ],sl 



One Child : 

(760) i. Clara Elvira'' Allison, b. at Concord, N. H., Aug. 1."). l,S.~»r 
m. Jan. 15, 1871, Benjamin Kimball (Jliase, who wa.s b. 
Aug. 25, 1841, and son of Sarah Ann (Taft) and Ucnjamin 
Kimball Chase, Sr. Mr. Chase is a farmer. Tlu; family res. 
at Langdon, N. H, One child : 

(761) i. Everett KimbaW Chase, b. Cornish, .\. 11. 
June 29, 1889. 



(752) Eliza Jane« Allison (Maky J.^, Ba.nt^ Bant", Bicxj-, Boitr.'). 

She was the fourth child of (603) Mary J. and ]). C. Allison, and m. 
Dec. 31, 1840, Newell Abbott Fostkr of Portland, iMe. lie was a publisher. 
Mrs. Foster d. in Portland, June 18, 1854. Mr. Foster then m. in 1861, 
Miss Ellen French of Portland. He was b. Feb. 7, 1814; d. Nov. 20, 
1868. His parents were Col. Asa Foster (a Kevolutionary veteran), and 
Sarah (Morrill) Foster of Canterbury, N. H. 

Children : 

(762) i. Leroy Allison''' Foster, b. Mar. 15, 1843 ; d. at Denver, Col., 
Mar. 29, 1882. He m. Aug. 25, 1874, Emma S. Eastman, who 
now res. at Lowell. 

Children : 

(763) i. Clifford Eastman^ Foster, b. Aug. 29, 1877. - 

(764) ii. Cornelia Chase^ Foster, b. May 5, 1879. 

(765) ii. Adelaide Eliza'' Foster, b. Jan. 16, 1853; m. Oct. 23, 1886, 
Austin Brainard, son of Henry Herbert and Cj'uthia Virginia 
Brainard of Pladdam, Conn. (Mrs. C. V. Brainard's maiden 
name was Brainerd). Austin Brainard, Esq., is an attorney- 
at-law, and res. at Hartford, Conn. Adelaide E. (Foster) 
Brainard is a graduate of Vassar College. 

Children : 

(766) i. Helen Allison^ Brainard, b. Dec. 5, 1889. 

(767) ii. Austin^ Brainard, Jr., b. Feb. 2, 1893; d. aged 

1 day. 

(768) iii. Laurence^ Brainard, b. Jan. 20, 1895 ; d. Apr. 14, 

1895. 

Newell A. Foster learned the printers' trade, and afterward, in com- 
pany with David Barr Allison (whose sister he m.), bought out a Concord, 
N. H., firm of printers. In 1838, he removed to Portland, Me., where he 
engaged in newspaper work, finally establishing the Portland Press, which 
prospered exceedingly. He Avas a member of that noblest and most disin- 
terested party the world has ever known, the Abolitionists, and held stead- 



182 PART I. 



fastly by his principles even at the sacrifice of worldly advancement as it 
seemed; but in 1858-59, he was elected to the Portland City Council, and 
to the Legislature in 1859-60, 1867-68. He was president of the Portland 
Mechanics' Association. He was taken ill at a meeting of the Woman's 
Suffrage Association, in Boston, and d. the next day of heart disease, loved 
and mourned as few are, by his fellow citizens of Portland, Me. 



(T53) Henrietta White® Alliso^^ (Mary J.^, Bant*, Bant^, 

Benj.-, Robt.^). 

She was b. Jan. 24, 1820 ; m. Jan. 14, 1846, Rollin Fletcher of Port- 
land, Me. In 1853-4, they removed to Circleville, 0., and later, about 
1875, to Morris, 111., where Mr. Fletcher d. May 3, 1885. Mrs. Fletcher 
lived with her son in Joliet, 111., where she d., March, 1893, and is bur. 
with her husband at Circleville, 0. 

Children, b. at Portland, Me. : 

(768c/) i. Eiir/ene Bronsdon^ Flftclier, b. Apr. 28, 1847 ; m. at Circleville, 
0., Nov. 29, 1869, Mary Rebecca Harris. Now res. at Joliet, 
111. 

Children : 

(769) i. Lucy Harris' Fletcher, b. Jan. 5, 1871 ; d. Jan. 18, 

1871. 

(770) ii. Inez Blanchard^ Fletcher, b. at Ashland, Ky., 

July 8, 1873. 

(771) iii. William Condit^ Fletcher, b. at jNIorris, 111., 

Dec. 1, 1875. 

(772) ii. Sarah Flizabeth'' Fletcher, b. Jan. 19, 1849; d. young. 



(755) George® Allison (Mary J.^ Bant*, Bant^ Benj. 2, Egbt.^). 

He was b. July 30, 1824, in Concord, N. H. He learned the trade of 
carriage maker. He m. at Boscawen, N. H., Nov. 27, 1846, Elvira Jane, 
dau. of Jeremiah and Martha (Jackman) Noyes, and b. in Boscawen, Jan. 6, 
1823; Mr. Allison d. Feb. 5, 1867, at South Amesbury (Merrimacport). He 
was a member of the Baptist Church. 

Children : 

(773) i. Clifton 0.' Allison, b. Jan. 31, 1848 ; m. Alice A. Shultz, who 

was b. Aug. 8, 1853. 

(774) ii. Roger Gilman'' Allison, b. Feb. 10, 1850; m. Annie Hicks. 

(775) iii. Irving RusseW Allison, h. (^'^^ 19,1853. 



BUONSDON FAMILY. \H'.l 



(776) iv. Eiiuna Frances' Allison, b. Jan. 17, IS.-),"); d. same day. 

(777) V. Wlllard Sumner'' Allison., b. Apr. -7, l.Sali. 

(778) vi. Laurence Edward' Allison, b. Sept. 7, l.Sr)7 ; d. M:iy L'L', 1 SSC, 

leaving widow Hannah (Edniin.ster), and cliild : 

(779) i. Alice Maude^ Allison, b. Jnly L'S, ISSI. 

(780) vii. Mart/ Esther'' Allison, h. Oct. oO, 185'.); ni. Sept. IJO, IS?:*, K(j.s- 
well Eaton, and had live chiklren, two of wlioni d. young. 

(781) i. Nellie^ Eofou, b. June T), ISSl. 

(782) ii. Ceorge^ Eaton, b. Mav. IS. 1S83. 
(78.3) iii. Elizahetli^ Eaton, b. Mav. II. ISSG. 

(784:) viii. Frederick'' Allison, b. June 5, ISGl ; d. Aug. ."Jl, ISCd. 

(785) ix. Clarence Thayer'' Allison, b. Nov. 2, 1862; in. P>elle Preble, 

dau. of Mr. and Mrs. J. W, Preble of Newton, N. H., where 

she was b. Jan. 24, 1865. Child : 

(786) i. Clara Isora^ Allison, h. Mar. 5, 1884. 

(787) X. Sarah Ellen'' Allison, b. Sept. 10, 1864 ; ni. Oeo. F. Mason, and 
lives in Merriniacport (So. Amesbury) children (first one, 
Franklin A., d. young). 

(788) ii. Bussell Kinsley^ Mason, b. June 14, 180.S. 

(789) iii. Wesley Sumner^ Mason, b. Mar. 11, 1895. 

(790) iv. Sarah Esther^ 3Iason, h. Aug. 21, 1S9Ck 

(791) V. Martha Isabelle^ Mason, b. Dec. 21, 1897. 



(756) Frances Augusta^ Allison (Mary J.^ Bant^ Bant' 

Benj.-, Kobt.^). 

Frances Augusta Allison, b. at Castine, Sept. 16, 1826; ra. at Circle- 
ville, 0., Dec. 31, 1855, J. G. McIntike. She d. Apr. 6, 1856. 



(757) Henry^ Allison (Mary J.^ Bant^ Bant^ Benj.^, Kobt.^). 

Henry Allison was b. in Concord, N. H., Nov. 7, 1828; ni. Nov. 20, 
1851, Mary L., dan. of Geo. K. W. and Elizabeth (Atkinson) Gallishan of 
Andover, Mass., where she was b. Oct. 30, 1832. She d. in 1865, and he m. 
second, Sept. 12, 1867, Mary, dau. of John Garbett, and b. in England, May 2, 
1846, children by the first wife : 

(792) i. Mary EVtzahetli' Allison, h. Sept. 1, 1852 ; ni. Frank P. Harris, 

and res. in Norwood Park, 111. 
n93) ii. Edward Clarence'' Allisori, b. Apr. 30, 1856 ; d. July 8, 1856. 
(794) iii. Fannie'' Allison, b. Jau.,,29, 1858 ; d. July 27, 1859. 



184 PART I. 

Mr. Henry Allison served in the Civil War. Enlisted Aug. 10, 1862, 
in the 114th Regt. Ohio Vols. ; mustered as third sergeant, promoted to 
first lieutenant IMarch, 1864, and afterward commanded the Company 
until close of service in August, 1865. Res. at Aurora, 111. 



(758) Emmeline^ Allison (Mary J.^, Bant^, Bant^, Benj.^, Robt.^). 

Emmeline^ Allison was b. at Concord, N. H., Apr. 21, 1832; m. in 
Stratham, N". H., July 2, 1857, Charles Edwin Gilman, who was b. in Exeter, 
N. H., May 10, 1830. They lived in Merrimacport (So. Amesbury), Mass. ; 
Wheeling, W. Va. in 1860 ; went to Illinois in 1861, and to Kansas in the 
spring of 1865. Mr. Gilman d. at Pittsburg, Kans., Aug. 1, 1867. He was 
son of Abijah and Harriet (Burley) Gilman of Exeter, N. H. Mrs. Gilman 
and daughter res. at Pittsburg, Kans. 

Child : 

(795) i. Mar)/ EUeii' Gilman, b. July 13, 1863, near Orange, Iroquois 
Co., 111. She is a physician, whose specialty is the eye and 
ear. 

Mrs. and Miss Gilman have been very helpful in furnishing facts for 
this history. They have sent copies of old family papers, etc., and the pic- 
ture of Mary J. (Bronsdon) Allison. In reference to the mistake in spelling 
the name of Bronsdon as Bronson in the Allison genealogy, Mrs. Gilman 
says it is unaccountable, as she used great care in spelling and writing the 
name correctly for the compiler of that book. 



BRONSDON FAMILY. IH") 



(604) JosKi'ii KussELL J)KOnsj)On'^ (Bant-*, IJant", P.iw.i.=, JIout.'). 

(604) Joseph Russell Bronsdon^ was tlio fifth cliiltl of (L'SO) J'.aiit 
and Deborah (Jackson) Bron scion of Boston, and was b. on T>ever(jtt Strcot, 
Mar. 12, 1793, emigrated to Montreal, Can., wlien a yoiini;- man, where lie 
Til. Elizabeth Carolike Clark about 1817, who was b. in 1700, and 
d. May 12, 1836. Mr. Bronsdon d. Oct. 20, 1870. See his biography fol- 
lowing list of children. 

ElgJit Cliildreu, b. in Montreal : 

(796) i. Sarah Ann Bronsdon^ b. i\Iar. 7, 1818. See below (Hall). 

(797) ii. Joseph Bushy Bnmsdon'^, b. Dec. 6, 1821 ; m., and is a widower. 

Res. in Montreal. 

(798) iii. Elizabeth Caroline Bro7isdon% h. July 2i, 1824:; m. Dr. Nelson 

Loverin, — , , who d. Oct., 1884, in Chicago, 111. 

Mrs. Loverin, and her brother Joseph B., res. together. 

One Child: 

(799) i. EUzahcfli^ Loveri^i, b. in Chicago, TIL, Aug. 14, 

1859 ; d. Mar., 1884. She was the wife of 
George Moss, who d. Oct. 17, 1891, leaving one 
child : 

(800) i. Alfred^ Moss, b. Mar. 19, 1884. 

(801) iv. William Thomas Bronsdon^ b. Dec. 22, 1820 ; d. June 22, 1832. 

(802) V. George James Bronsdon^ b. Mar. 4, 1829; d. Mar. 30, 1833. 

(803) vi. He?ir>/ Joshua Bronsdon', b. Dec. 4, 1830; d. Jan. 30, 1832. 

(804) vii. Thomas Busby Bronsdon", b. Dec. 26, 1832; d. Aug. 24, 1851. 

(805) viii. Joshua Lawrence Bronsdon^, b. Jan. 27, 1835. See below. 

The families of Sarah Ann Bronsdon*^ (Mrs. Hall), and of J. L. 
Bronsdon*^ follow the biography of (604) Joseph Russell Bronsdon". 



Life of Joseph Russell Bronsdon^ 

[The following accomit is compiled from manuscripts furnished by Joseph Bl'SDV 
Bronsdon", a son of .1. R. Bkoxspox^ and Col. L. B. Maksh, who was person- 
ally acquainted with the subject of this biography. These sources of information 
are supplemented by additional recollections and reminiscences on the part of 
other relatives to whom he was more or less known]. 

Joseph Russell Bronsdon^ was but six years old when his father died; 
and two years later, his good mother also passed away, leaving a little flock 
of orphan children, the oldest of whom was but 15 years old, besides an 



186 PART I. 

older half-brother, a youth of about 18 years. These children were kindly 
cared for by their uncles and aunts, who had a true affectionate interest in 
them for the sake of their deceased parents, who were in every way worthy 
of regard. The oldest aunt, jNIrs. Sarah 15. Curtis, was appointed guardian of 
the children. 

Joseph Russell Bronsdon made long visits to his uncles, John Box 
Bronsdon and Benjamin Bronsdon of Milton, and a descendant of the 
former distinctly recollects a visit from " Cousin Joe " in after years, when 
he and his cousin Phineas compared notes and indulged in lively recollec- 
tions of boyhood sports in the beautiful country around Milton. She 
remembers also the joyful welcome accorded to "Cousin Joe," and the 
absorbing interest excited by his stories of his life experiences, and these 
same stories formed a basis for discussion and reminiscence long after the 
departure of the honored guest. 

At the age of 14 years, in accordance with the law of those days, which 
required every fatherless boy to be taught a useful trade, Joseph was 
apprenticed to a wood-worker, who included both the building of houses 
and ships in his business. He proved his aptness for mechanics by easily 
mastering the principles of construction, while at the same time he 
acquired a skillful use of the tools of his trade. He had that within him- 
self that was bound to win him success in his undertakings, and we cannot 
but regret that this true and worthy descendant of Robert Bronsdon^ could 
not have remained in his native place, and there have brought honor to the 
name of Bronsdon; but destiny, in the shape of the war of 1812, was 
approaching. At that time, seven years was given to learn a trade, and 
Joseph was not " out of his time " when he was drafted as a soldier. 

The war of 1812 was most unpopular with the people at large. The 
State of Massachusetts raised no regiments of volunteers for the general 
government, and only supplied its State militia for its own protection. 

Our young kinsman was by no means adverse to a taste of adventure. 
He accepted his fate with the greatest cheerfulness, undeterred by the 
stories of hardship and privation which prevailed. Money was scarce ; the 
Government found it nearly impossible to raise money for equipments, or 
■even to purchase supplies of food for the army ; thus it happened that the 
band of drafted men set out from Boston to march to Albany, each one 
carrying a little pack of his own personal belongings. They were under 
orders to join Gen. Winheld Scott's command at Albany. On reaching their 
destination, they found everything in a state of activity. Gen. Scott had 
undertaken to re-organize and drill the troops with a thoroughness before 
unknown. His eye was everywhere seeking to increase the efficiency of his 
army. He was not long in making the discovery that Joseph Bronsdon 
w^as possessed of a skill in construction that would be better available were 



BUONSDON FAMILY. 1 S' 



lie promoted to a diiferent position — accordingly-, he was a]>p(»iiite(l on tin- 
staff of artificers, or as we would now say, en.jjineers. This was in the 
winter of 1813-14. The war ui> to tliat time liad Iktu tinsuc-CL'ssfnlly con- 
ducted, but a change for the better was at hand, duo to a realization on tlie 
part of the ruling ])owers that the army needed re-organizing and more 
thorough instruction and practice in military tactics. General Scott person- 
ally superintended this Avork ; and in consequence, there was soon a decided 
improvement in the drill and appearance of the soldiers. Young Bronsdon 
was deeply interested and inclined to profit by his instructions to the 
utmost; and, in after years, the knowledge thus gained was put to use, and 
he was enabled to perform valuable service as a drill instructor in his 
adopted city during an exigency in the Rebellion of 1837-8. 

When all was in readiness for a start, the ai-my marched to linffalo, a 
distance of 200 miles, over a road that for much of the way was but a trail. 
Buffalo at that time consisted of a mere handful of houses. To get there, it 
was necessary to cross many streams, some of them too large to ford ; and, 
on these occasions, young Bronsdon was on hand to construct bridges ami 
devise means to get across — and, by his success, he won golden opinions 
from his General. 

When Buffalo was reached, it was foiuul to be deserted by the liritish, 
aiul the few buildings it contained had been burned by the Indian allies. 
No shelter Avas available, except the jail, a small stone building ihat had 
resisted destruction. Joseph Bronsdon was detailed to take charge of the 
erection of suitable buildings for shelter. 

In July, the Niagara river was crossed in }nusuit of the liriti^h, who 
made a stand on the bank of a deep, swift-flowing stream, apparently 
believing that its size afforded sufficient protection against any attempt of 
the American troops to cross. 

Young Bronsdon surveyed the situation. His superior officers were in 
close and anxious consultation, Avith their uneasy glances directed toAvards 
the foe. Several of their adversaries rode daringly and tauntingly towards 
them. Joseph Bronsdon scanned the banks and the rushing waters Avith a 
keen eye. He had a plan of action, and he Avalked along the shore seeking 
the best points for effecting a speedy connection with the o})posite bank. 
Gen. Scott looked at him inquiringly, rode towards him, and asked him if 
it Avere possible to cross, and receiving an encouraging reply, he enthusiasti- 
cally put every desired means at young Bronsdon's command, who. with a 
practical eye, had marked the direction and force of the current, and had 
noticed that it left the shore at a point where he stood, and was diverted in 
a tangent toAvards an opposite point beloAv. 

The soldiers Avere soon Avorking like beavers. Logs Avere prepared and 
laid lengthAvise and bound together and fastened by their Avedged ends by 



188 PART I. 

wooden pins made on tlie spot. "When the bridge was of sufficient length it 
was directed into tlie current, and the outcome watched for in breathless 
silence. A cheer arose when it struck the proper point, and was held fast. 
It was a frail structure, but that did not deter Gen. Scott, who exultantly- 
spurred his horse thereon, and dashed across, notwithstanding the swaying 
and partially submerged condition of the bridge — he did not lack followers 
in his perilous passage. Taken unawares, the British stood not upon the 
order of their going, a few laggards being taken prisoners. This exploit 
was rewarded by bestowing upon Joseph E. Bronsdon the rank of captain. 
Soon after, several engagements took place, which virtually ended the war. 

Mr. Bronsdon was ordered to Plattsburg to superintend the erection 
of hospital buildings for the shelter of the wounded. When these were 
completed, he was relieved from duty and returned to Boston. He was joy- 
fully welcomed by^ his relatives, Avho felt an affectionate pride in his army 
achievements. 

Soon, he began to look about himself for employment, but he found 
little to encourage his hopes. His eldest sister and her husband were pre- 
paring to emigrate to the far West. All the family, except his oldest (half) 
brother, had gone elsewhere to reside. Business seemed wholly destroyed 
and trade paralyzed. There was little money in circulation. His thoughts 
turned toward the region he had lately left. He knew that trade was brisk 
in Montreal, which was growing rapidly. Although he had served his Gov- 
ernment faithfully, he felt no particular rancor against his late foes, for he 
said, " I tried to enter Montreal as an enemy ; now I will go as a friend to 
seek my fortune.'' We do not know that he intended to remain in Canada 
always. As long as he lived, he retained a strong affection for the place of 
his birth, and delighted to visit the home and friends of his boyhood and 
youth. 

Again, he set out towards Canada, and this time he entered Montreal, 
and put up at the " American House," kept by Lyman & Bonner. He reg- 
istered on the hotel books as an American engineer. In looking about 
Montreal, his attention was drawn to the consideration of the problem of 
how Montreal could be reached by water from Quebec without the assist- 
ance of horses and oxen to draw the boats against the heavy current up to 
the city. The boats then occupied two weeks on the round trip. They were 
owned by John Molson, ancestor of the celebrated Molson family of 
Montreal. 

Mr. Bronsdon discussed the probabilities that he would be able to sur- 
mount the difficulties of navigation with j\Ir. Molson ; the result was that 
they entered into an agreement by which the former contracted to build a 
powerful steamboat which should breast the current unaided. To their 
great joy, the boat named the " Swift Shore " Avas a success, and Mr. Brons- 



BHONSDON FAMILY. 1 S'.t 



don had the proud li-iiiin|ili of seeing her coiuo n\> iu the very citv, the 
pioneer of many of lier kind. His success in tins iiiiportunt uiidertiikiiij; 
brought him the actpiaintance and recognition of tlie leading men (if Mon- 
treal. He found no lack of business opportunities. Mnuy of tlie best (iov- 
ernment buildings of Montreal were erected by Josei)h Iv. lironsdon. 

Soon after his arrival in the city, he organized a fire brigade, which is 
still in existence, and in which he served for over oO years witliont compen- 
sation. He was called in recognition of this service, "The Fire King." 

He was engaged in the constructioii of the first wharves in the liarbor, 
in 1832, and these yet remain. 

During the llebellion of 1837-8, his military training and knowledge 
enabled him to offer his services to the Government as military instructor. 
He was the only man at hand who was capable of directing cavalry 
mana?uvres, and he acted in that capacity until the arrival of instructors 
from England. 

At the opening of the Grand Trunk 11. R., Mr. Bronsdon was sent as a 
delegate to Boston to take part in the celebration of the completion of the 
road. He mad.e an excellent speech, wduch was well received. He was 
spoken of by the press as a '' Bostoii boy, who is now one of the fathers of 
Montreal, and a most useful and enterprising citizen." He did not dispose 
of his portion of his father's" Boston estate until the year 1844. He was 
an alderman for more than 13 years. He belonged to the order of Free 
Masons, of which he was an esteemed brother. At the time of his death, 
he had become one of the foremost citizens of INIontreal. 

Note. :Mr. Bronsdon furnished plans and valuable suggestions for the construe- 
tion of the wharves on the water front of Buffalo, which were adopted \>y the parties 
in charge of that enterprise. 



(796) Sakah Axn Bronsdon*' (Joseph R.°, Bant^ Ji;., Bant', 

Ben J.-, RoBT.^). 

She was b. Mar. 7, 1818, in Montreal, Can. ; m. Sept. 26, 1844, William 
Melville Hall, of an old and wealthy Irish family. He was b. in Boss 
Castle, Lakes of Killarney. He d. June 21. 185,-;, in :\rontreal. 

Three Children : 
(806) i. Richard Bronsdon'^ Hall, b. July 19, 1845; m. in 1870, Janet 
Wylie, who was b. ^Nlay 26, 1845. They have one son : 

(807) i. WlUlam Melvilh^ Hail, b. in ^Montreal, Jan. 30. 
1872, and m. Annie "SI. Swan of Saratoga, 
N.Y., June 11, 1896. 

(808) ii. Elizabeth Martha' Hall, b. June 25, 1847; m. June 20. 1867, 
Thomas Montgomery. ^Nlrs. Hall, the mother, and Mrs. 
Montgomery res. together in Montreal. 



190 PART I. 

Seven Children, b. in Montreal : 

(809) i. Will lam Bronsdon^ Montgomery, b. Mar. 29, 

1869; d. Dec. 30, 1879. 

(810) ii. Elizabeth Ethel^ Montgomery, b. Nov. 7, 1870; 

m. June 20, 1898, by Canon Ellegood at the 
Church of St. James the Apostle, Mr. Fred- 
erick St. George Stroud, son of Alderman 
Stroud of Montreal. Mrs. Stroiul d. 1900, 
and the funeral was held Oct. 13, at the church 
where she was m. 

Two Children : 

(811) i. , 9 Stroud, b. Mar., 1899. 

(811;) ii. , '' Stroud, b. Oct. 8, 1900. 

(813) iii. 3Ialjel Lillian^ Montgomery, b. Dec. 11, 1871; 

m. J. Ross Dobbin of Montreal. 

(814) iv. Thomas liaW Montgomery, b. Oct. 29, 1873. 

(815) V. Alice Maude^ Montgomery, b. Sept. 19, 1875. 

(816) vi. Norman HaW Montgomery, b. Oct. 13, 1884. 

(817) vii. Dorothy HaW Montgomery, b. Aug. 30, 1894. 

(818) iii. Jane ye/vman'' Hall, b. 1849 ; d. May 2, 1894 ; m. Angus 
Mcintosh. 

Ciiildren, b. in Montreal : 

(819) i. Lillian Mary^ Mcintosh, b. • — , • 

(820) ii. Alice Estelle^ Mcintosh, b. , 

(821) iii. Angus^ Mcintosh, Jr., b. — , 



(805) Joshua Lawrence Bronsdon^ (Joseph R.^, Bant^, Jr., Baxt^, 

Benj.'^, Eobt.^). 

He was b. in Montreal, Can., Jan. 27, 1835 ; m. June 7, 1860, Kather- 
INE Walton Herbert, dau. of John Winchester and Katherine (Fvay) 
Herbert. She is a descendant of Barbara Heck, the foundress of Method- 
ism in the United States and Canada. Mrs. Bronsdon was. b. in Montreal, 
July 7, 1843. Mr. and Mrs. J. L. Bronsdon res. in Toronto, Can., at 1716 
Spadina Avenue. They have had ten children, the first five b. in INTontreal, 
the remainder in Toronto. 

(822) i. Joseph Herbert Bronsdon:', b. Xov. 11, 1861 ; m. May 23, 1888, 
Harriet Hartley of Belfast ; four children : 

(823) i. Herbert Hartley Bronsdon^, b. Apr. 19, 1889. 

(824) ii. Violet Armstrong Bronsdon"^, b. Oct. 8, 1891. 

(825) iii. Ella Mary Bronsdon\ b. June 6, 1893. 

(826) iv. Edith Iluth, Bronsdon^, b. Feb. 20, 1900. 



BRONSDON FAMILY. ]\tl 



(8L'7) ii. Elizabeth Lorlmj ilnnisdon', h. A]ii-. 7. ISOI ; m. \Villi:iiii ileiirv 
Smith, b. in Toronto, Can., Aug. IG, iSllo. 'ri,ey res. in 
Toronto. 

ChU<Jren: 
(82S) i. Ifcnrif Ihwisdon^ S»i!f//, h. Drc. T), l.ssd. 
(82<)) ii. Jlaind Herherf^ Smith, h. .July L'S, IS'.IO. 
(SoO) iii. N(>r<( llohjate^ Smith, h. .Iiiiii' 12, IS'.)."}. 
(831) iv. KIi::a1,rth Tlnnisilnn'^ Sinltli. h. Dec 2".. ISOfi. 

(832) iii. Amy BronsdoiV, b. May 8, 18(;(;; d. May 10, 18GG. 

(833) iv. mia Herbert Bronsdon'', b. June 27, 18G7. 

(834) V. Catherine Beatrice liro/isdo/i'', h. Sept. 2~>, 18G8: d Sept 

18G9. 

(835) vi. Lawrence TVi/liam- Brn7isd(>ii'',h. Veh. 2,1^7] ; ni. ,Ju]v In. isii-t, 

at Mianiiburg, 0., Cora IJice of Toolev, W. Va. Slie was b! 
Jan. 30, 1873. 
(83G) vii. Thomas Brojisdcm', b. Oct. 22, 1872. 

(837) viii. Geor;/e Ernest Bronsdon\ b. Oct. 2G, 187G. 

(838) ix. Charles Livingston Bronsdon'', b. Nov. 22, 1878. 

(839) X. Edith Gertrude Brovsdun\\). July 13, 1880. 



192 PART 1. 



(2S1) William Bkonsdok* (Bant^, Benj.'-, E,obt.^). 

[See also (B 16) Part II.] 

(287) William Bronsdon'' was the youngest son of (196) Bant and 
Elizabeth (Box) Bronsdon of Boston. He was b. Feb. 11, 1761 ; bapt. at 
King's Chapel, Boston, Mar. 10, 1762 ; m. Ruth Eich of Truro, Mass., about 
1786, and d. at Phillipston, Worcester Co., Mass., Nov. 3, 1831. His wife 
d. June 25, 1828. 

Children, one b. at Truro, the others in Gerry (Phillipston after 1812), 
Mass. : 

(840) i. Jane Bronsdon^, b. May 3, 1787; d. Oct. 15, 1869; m. Benj. 

Lamb. See below. 

(841) ii. WUliavi Bronsdorv', Jr., b. May 10, 1795 ; d. May 31, 1856. See 

below. Seventeen children. He was thrice m. : first, Dorcas 
Doane ; second, Phebe Lewis ; third, Martha Holt. 

(842) iii. Elizabeth {Betsey) Bronsdon^, b. Sept. 10, 1798 ; d. May 8, 1882 ; 

m. Will. Lacy. See below. 

(843) iv. Reheecu Dennis Brnnsdnn\ b. Jan. 18, 1805; d. Feb. 3, 1871; 

111. Feb. 10, 1846, Ezekiel Cutler (second wife) of LoAver Water- 
ford. Vt. No children. 

(844) V. Hannah Lewis Bronsdon^, b. Aug. 29, 1807; d. July 18, 1891. 

She was very useful, and beloved by her friends. 



Biography. 

(287) William Bronsdon followed the family bent and became a sailor. 
He was captain of a whaling ship. His wife, Ruth Rich, was the daughter 
of a Cape Cod sea captain, Thatcher Rich of Truro. (See Rich family. 
Appendix.) There is a period of eight years between the births of their 
first and second children. Some time during these eight years Captain 
Bronsdon purchased land in Gerry (now Phillipston) and, in company with 
friends and neighbors from the Cape, removed to that place, but did not 
relinquish his seafaring life for several years after. In Gerry the family 
attended the Methodist Church and Rev. Joseph Estabrook was their pastor. 

Both Capt. l^)ronsdon and his wife were greatly respected and beloved. 
His grand-daughter, now living, states that he was fond of children, and 
that he made a pet and companion of her in his loneliness after the death 
of his wife. He was a lover of nature, also ; and when, at sunset, they 
walked up on "Baldwin Hill," the inspiration of the beautiful outlook 
would cause him to sing for joy some grand old hymn. He had a very fine 
tenor voice, and its music has dwelt in the memory of his little grand- 



BRONSDON FAMILY. | j,;; 



daughter until now she herself is aged. Tlu; habit ul tl... suiU..- was slroi.-^ 
and he would often walk the house as though on the deck of a shij. and uu 
stormy nights he would say to the children : " U, the poor sailors are' having 
a hard tune to-night ! " In stature Capt. lironsdon was small. 

The farm was mostly managed by Capt. Bronsdon's only son, who liv.-d 
at home with his wife. ^\ith Capt. lironsdon was also living I'aschai S 
and Anne L. Bronsdon, the children of his deceased brother, Ikint l5r..nsdoM\ 
Jr., of l^oston. Their home life was very happy, and it was a blow to botli' 
father and son when the wife of each one died within a period of two weeks. 
In a short time William 15ronsdon, Jr., married again, and his second wife 
wishing to remove to Athol, Mass., the home in i'hillipston was left in 
charge of Rebecca and Hannah Bronsdon, daughters of Capt. Bronsdon : the 
children of the first wife of William Bronsdon, Jr., were also left with their 
grandfather and aunts. 

Capt. William Bronsdon Avas a member of the order of Free Masons. 
He died in Phillipston. 

(840) Jane Bronsdon^ (William^ IUxt^, Bknj.-, Robt.^). 
(840) Jane Bronsdon^ was the oldest child of (287) William^ and 
Ruth (Rich) Bronsdon, and was b. May 2, 1787, in Truro, Mass. She m., 
1807, Benjamin Lamb, Avho was b. Feb. 23, 1782, and d. Apr. IG, 18r)4. 
Jane Bronsdon^ d. at Phillipston, Oct. 15, 1869, where she and her husband 
had resided nearly all their lives. They were respected and beloved for 
their upright and excellent qualities. She was industrious, prudent, and 
deeply religious. She was noted for her housewifely skill. 

Children : 
(845) i. Soj)hroma^ Lamb, h. Feb. 15, 1808 ; m. David F. Lamb; d. Apr., 

1888, at riiillipston — a worthy daughter of a worthy mother. 

She left no children. 
(84C) ii. Ruth Rich^ Lamb, b. May 15, 1810 : d. May 27, 1891 ; m. Amos 

S. Cummings ; ten children. See below. 

(847) iii. William Jarksott^ Lamb, b. May 11, 1813; d. Jan. 7, 1895; 

m. Augusta L. Cummings ; eight children. See below. 

(848) iv. Eli Brighavi^ Lamb, b. Feb. 11, 1816 ; d. Aug. 13, 1891 ; m. first. 

Charlotte Woodward ; second, Caroline R. I^all. See below. 

(849) V. Eliz(( Jane^ Lamb, b. July 2, 1818 ; d. Ai-r. 30, 1873 ; m. .lairus 

Gilbert ; live children. See below. 



(846) Ruth Rich^ Lamb (Jane^, William^, Bant', Benj.-', Robt.';. 
She was the second child of (840) Jane (Bronsdon) and Benjamin 
Lamb of Phillipston ; b. May 15, 1810 ; m. Amos S. Cummings, and d. i\Iay 
27, 1891. They were exemplary Christians and zealous in the cause of 
temperance. They have numerous descendants. 

13 



194 PART 1. 

Children, ten in number, all b. in Phillipston ; two d. in infancy : 

(850) i. Charles' Cummings, b. Mar., 1825 ; m. Mary Ann Cummings. 

(851) ii. James A? Cummings, b. Jan. 30, 1830 ; d. Sept. 14, 1876 ; 

m. Althine Bryant. 

(852) iii. Jason G? Cummings, b. Oct. 18, 1835; d. May 23, 1869; m. 

Frances J. Lamb. 

(853) iv. Joel Doane'' Cummings, b. July 28, 1837 ; m. Hattie E. Thompson. 

(854) V. Awdia E? Cummings, b. July 31, 1842; d. Aug. 29, 1872; 

m. Martin Hichardson. 

(855) vi. Sumner GJ Cummings, b. Feb. 12, 1846; m. first, Antha John- 

son ; second, Sarah T. Gore. 

(856) vii. Sarah E? Cummings, b. Sept. 14, 1848; m. Geo. M. Caldwell. 

(857) viii. Davis L? Cummings, b. Jan. 20, 1851 ; m. Martha J. Cudworth. 

Charles, Jason G. and Joel G. Cummings were soldiers in the War of 
the Rebellion. 



(847) William J.« Lamb (Jane^, William^ Baxt^ Benj.^, Robt.^). 

He was b. May 13, 1813 ; m. Sept. 15, 1833, Augusta L. Cummings. 
He d. Jan. 7, 1895, and she d. Jan. 29, 1895, at Winchendon, Mass., their 
home. He served in the 34th Regt., M.Y. M., in the Civil War. 

Ten Children (all m. and have numerous descendants) : 

(858) i. Wni. HP Lamh,h.0ct.*d,\d,3^; served in the 53d Regt., M.V. M. ; 

m. Frances Whitcomb. 

(859) ii. Amos SJ Lamb, b. Nov. 19, 1836 ; m. Dolly R. Brown. 

(860) iii. Frances J? Lamb, m. Jason Cummings; second, Chas. INI. Bates. 

(861) iv. Addphia B.' Lamb, m. Geo. B. Townsend ; second, David God- 

dard of Orange. 

(862) V. Climena M? Lamb, b. July 6, 1848 ; m. Henry F. Ward. 

(863) vi. Ezra Carter'' Lamb, b. Jan. 1, 1853; m. first, Martha Sawtelle ; 

second, Nettie Sherwin. 

(864) vii. Abbie Loretta'' Lamb, b. July 26, 1856 ; m. Freeman T. AVard. 



(848) Eli Brigham« Lamb (Jane^ William*, Bant^ Benj.^, Robt.^). 

Eli B.« Lamb was b. Feb. 11, 1816 ; m. twice and d. Aug. 13, 1891. 

Five Children ; three by first wife, Charlotte Woodward, whom he m. 
Sept. 5, 1838 ; two by second wife, Caroline R. Ball, whom he m. 
Mar. 28, 1853 : 

(865) i. Piuth a:' Lamb, b. July 20, 1839 ; m. Leander W. Lamb. 

(866) ii. Martha CJ Lamb, b. Mar. 25, 1843 ; m. Nathan S. Day. 

(867) iii. Fannie M.'' Lamb, b. May 6, 1846 ; m. F. W. Knapp. 
(86S) iv. Lucu J? Lamb, b. Mar. 11, 1855; m. J. E. Amidon. 
(869) V. Luke R.'' Lamb, b. Apr. 30, 1863 ; m. Carrie Chipman. 

Eli B.^ Lamb has many descendants. 



BKONSDON FAMILY. 



Iii5 



(849) Eliza Jane« Lamb (Jaxk/-, W ilmam'. Ham'', |;,,n.,.-. K,„.t.»). 
(849) Eliza Jane Lamb, iiftli and youn,tr,.st child cf (S-JO) .laiie 
(Bronsdou) and Benjamin Lamb of riiillipston, Mass., was 1.. in IMiillipstcn 
July 2, 1818 ; m. Nov. 21, 183r,, Jainis Gilhkkt, wI.o was h. N„v. (',, ]S()(] 
and d. Dec. 14, 1864. She d. Apr. .SO, 1873, having m. .Inl,,, d, vx. 

Five Children (by first luisband) : 
(870) i. 31a)'ij Jane' Gilbert, b. I\Lay Vo, 1838 ; m. .Ian. 1, l.S(;i \-ithan 
W. Holden of Worcester, who was b. Oct. 11. ls;57' and 'd 
Aug. o, 1893. Mrs. Holden res. in Nortli I'.rookfiehl, Mass 
One daugliter : 

(871) i. Mary KJizaheth^ Holden, b. Aug. 27, 1805; res. 
in Worcester. 

(872) ii. HannaW Gilbert, b. Jan. 29, 1841 ; m. , , Charles :^r 

son of Mary B. (Peckham), b. Sept. G, 1815, and Charles 'h' 
Perry, b. Jan. 17, 1804, and m. Apr. 20, 1835. Mrs. Perry 
d. Feb. 1, 1866, and Mr. Perry m. second, Nellie M. Gariield 
and d. May 22, 1897. 

Children by first wife, two in number : 

(873) i. Flora A.' Ferry, b. Nov. 5, 1859 ; m. ,Jan. 25, 

1881, William Forsyth. They have had four 
children : 

(874) i. Ee7ia E.^ Forsyth, b. at Ashland, Sept. 11, 1883. 

(875) ii. Blanche E." Forsyth, b. at Worcester, Oct. 9, 

1887. 

(876) iii. Flora J/.^ Forsyth, b. at Worcester, Oct. 10, 1889. 

(878) iv. Charles Wy Fors>/tk, b. at Ashland, Am;. 29 

1894; d. Jan. 9, 1896. 

(879) ii. Warren If J Ferry, h. Feb. 15, 1862 ; d. Aug. IS, 

3864. 

(880) iii. David Henry'' Gilbert, b. Mar. 18,1845; m. Jan. 6, 1865, Ann 

Elizabeth, dau. of Wm. and Rose Hancock of Dublin, Ire., 
and d. Aug. 10, 1882; Mrs. Gilbert m. second, E. 1'. Kelley, 
and res. in Oxford, ]Mass. Children, \\'arren H.\ Mary J.«, 
Alicia F.* (d. young), Estella A.^ (d. young). 

(881) iv. George Ferleif Gilbert, b. Mar. 22, 1848; m. in 1868, Jennie 

Hawes. Pes. in Worcester. Seven children, all living but 
one : 

(882) i. Annie M.^ Gilbert, m. L. O. Woodcock. 

(883) ii. Ella S.^ Gilbert, m. J. E. Stevenson. 

(884) iii. Fiord E.^ Gilbert, m. G. D. Mansfield. 

(885) iv. Franklin P.» Gilbert, b. Nov. 22. 1877. 

(886) V. Wm. W.' Gilbert, d. young. 

(887) vi. Geo. L. C.^ Gilbert, b. May 20, 1887. 



196 PART I. 



(841) William Bronsdon^ Jr. (William^ Bant^, Benj.-, Robt.^). 

m. first, 1817, Dorcas Doane. 
second, 1829, Bhebe Lewis. 
third, 1840, Martha Holt. 

(841) William Bronsdon^, Jr., was the second child and only son of 
(287) Capt. William'' and Ruth (Rich) Bronsdon of Phillipston (Gerry, 
before 1812), and was b. at Phillipston, May 10, 1795, and bapt. by the 
Methodist minister. Rev. Joseph Estabrook, July 5, 1795. He d. at Athol, 
May 31, 1856. His first wife, Dorcas, was b. at Eastham, May 14, 1797, 
and dau. of Thankful (Mayo) and Capt. Jesse Doane, her parents being 
among those who came from Cape Cod at the same time that the Bronsdons 
settled in Gerry. Dorcas d. in Phillipston, July 11, 1828, when her sixth 
child was two weeks old. She was a refined and delicate woman, and like 
a sunbeam in her home. She and her husband's mother d. within a period 
of two weeks, leaving Capt. Bronsdon and his son widowers, and several 
small children motherless ; they were cared for by William's sisters, Rebecca 
and Hannah. The baby died. William Bronsdon m. second, Phebe Lewis 
At the time, he was carrying on his father's farm. Miss Lewis was from 
Athol, and in a few months after their marriage they removed to that place, 
leaving the four children of the first wife with their grandfather Bronsdon 
and their aunts. Phebe (Lewis) Bronsdon d. about 1836, leaving three chil- 
dren ; and William m. third, Martha, dau. of Aretlmsa (Hagar) andEbenezer 
Holt of Athol, who was b. Apr. 2, 1817, and was consequently 22 years 
younger than her husband. She had eight children, making in all the family 
of AYilliam Bronsdon, Jr., to number seventeen children, the first seven b. 
in Phillipston, the other ten in Athol, Mass. Children were : 

(888) i. Henry Knoicles Bronsdon^, b. 1818 ; d. young. 

(889) ii. Hennj Knovdes BronscUm^ b. Mar. 7, 1820 ; d. Feb. 28, 1842 

(named for his mother's twin brother). He was a very prom- 



ising young man. 



(890) iii. EUzabeth Ann Bronsdon^, h.l^o\. 11 , 1^21 \ m. Sidney Pushee. 

(891) iv. Lijsiinder Bascom Bronsdon^, b. Sept. 3, 1823 ; m. twice. See 

below. 

(892) V. ThanlcfuJ Amelia Bronsdon^, b. Aug. 3, 1825 : m. twice. See 

below. 

(893) vi. Dorcas Sophia Bronsdon\ b. July 27, 1828 ; d. April, 1829. 

(894) vii. William Leiois Bronsdon^ b. Nov. 28, 1829 ; d. Aug. 12, 1874. 

See below. 

(895) viii. Sumner Morse Bronsdon'^, b. May 3, 1832 ; m. See below. 

(896) ix. Eleanor Bronsdon^, b. 1835; m. Calvin Barnes; d. May,. 1858; 

one child. 



BRONSDON FAMILY. ]97 



(897) X. Susan Rebecca Bronsdon^, h. Feb. L'?. ls|| ; ,|. j),.,. 'j.-,^ ISfJO- 

single. 

(898) xi. WiUlam Tlnr/le)/ Bronsdon'^, h. Oct. 'jr>, 1.S4L' ; ,|. Ai.r. !», l.S<>;{. 

See below. 

(899) xii. Arethnsa Bronsdon^h. Oct. 25, 1S4I ; m. W . .1. l;,,j^rprs. See 

below. 

(900) xiii. .7a7«; Bronsdoii", b. Nov. 2, 1845; d. Sept. 0, ISIO. 

(901) xiv. JaneB)'ons,/o7i%h.'SlaY2r),lS-i7; m. Chester T. I lou-l. ton. See 

below. 

(902) XV. Ileiir// Harrison Bronsdon^, b. Oct. 2, 1850 ; m. See below. 

(903) xvi. Lllla Maria 7//v;»,s7^««, b. Sept. 13, 1853 ; in. Greenwood. See 

below. 

(904) xvii. George Washington Bro)isdon% b. Feb. 22, 1856; d. Dec. 18, 1857. 



(890) Elizabeth Ann Bronsbon* (William^ William^, I'.ant', Bf:nj.2, 

ROBT.^). 

She was the third child of (841) William and Dorcas (Doane) Brons- 
don, b. Nov. 17, 1821 ; m. at Phillipston, July 2, 1845, Sidney Abram 
PusHEE, who was b. at Lyme, N. H., Aug. 20, 1822. He was a soldier in 
the Civil War, 25th Mass. Regt. ; d. at Lyme, N. H., Jan. 30, 1887. His 
funeral and burial were at Worcester, Mass., in Hope Cemetery, just forty- 
two years from his wedding day. 

Three Children ; only one, Emma A.'', b. Dec. 25, 1854, is living. 



(891) Ly.sandek Bascom Bronsdon*' (William^, William^ I'-Axr^, 

Benj.-, ROBT.I). 

He was b. Sept. 3, 1823 ; m. first, Mary E. Thompson, who d. Feb. 11, 
1859 ; m. second, Mrs. Php:be (Humeston) Thompson, his wife's sister- 
in-law, and also the step-daughter of his sister, Thankful Amelia. He was 
a whole-souled and lovable man, very hospitable. Mrs. Humeston lived 
with him and kept his books. He was a builder. He d. in consequence of 
a paralytic shock, and was cared for by his sister in his last days. He had 
no children and had been a widower for many years. 



(892) Thankful Amelia Bronsdon'' (William*, William\ I'.ant', 

Benj.-, Robt.^). 

She was b. Aug. 3, 1825 ; m. first. Mar. 17, 1853, Rev. Warren Coover 
of Suffield, Conn. He d. at Springfield, Mass., Mar. 25, 18(34. He united 
with the Baptist Church at Suffield when 12 years old. His widow m. 1866, 
Bishop Humeston, who d. , . Mrs. Humeston res. in Baldwin- 



198 PART I. 

ville. She lias collected the records of nearly all the descendants of her 
grandfather, William Bronsdon*, thus meriting their and our gratitude. 

Child : 
(905) i. Amelia Sophia' Cooper, b. at Keeseville, K.Y., Oct. 30, 1854 ; 
m. at Holyoke, Mass., Milan Nary. Their dau., Leona A.^ m 
Joseph A. Dunbar of Athol and d. in one year, leaving son : 

(906) Maurire Goodrich'' Dunbar, b. , 1891. 



(894) William Lewis Bronsdon® (William^, William*, Bant^, 

Benj.^, Robt.^). 

He was the son of (841) William Bronsdon, Jr., and his second wife, 
Phebe (Lewis), and was b. in Phillipston, Nov. 28, 1829. His parents 
removed to Athol when he was an infant. He m. at So. Vernon, Vt., 
Nov. 24, 1852, Abigail Walkek Holt, the sister of his father's third wife. 
He was a blacksmith, and lived at Athol ; later, removed to the West. He 
d. Aug. 12, 1874, and his widow m. Mr. Henry M. Burgess, and res. in 
Minneapolis. She revisited her home in New England in 1898. 

Children, all b. in Athol, Mass : 

(907) i. Flora Bronsdon\ b. July 24, 1854 ; m. at Ripon, Wis., Sept. 18, 
1872, Almon K. Pepper, who was b. July 30, 1851, at Rush- 
ton, Pa., and d. from an accident at Sheboygan Falls Depot, 
July 17, 1893. 

Four Children : 

(908) i. WUJknn Henr}/ Pepper, b. Oct. 29, 1873 ; m. 

Meda Whittemore. 

(909) ii. Charles Almon^ Pepper, b. June 7, 1875; m. 

Alma Russell. 

(910) iii. James Aurin^ Pepper, b. Apr. 21, 1878. 

(911) iv. Mabel Clare^ Pep>per, b. Nov. 20, 1879. 

(912) ii. Frank Aurin Bronsdon', b. May 4, 1855 ; m. Nov. 2, 1880, Rosa, 
dau. of John B. and Regula Kundert, who emigrated from 
Switzerland to America. They res. at Mantonville, Wis., 
and Mr. Bronsdon carries on blacksmithing and carriage 
repairing as his father formerly did. 

Children, b. in Mantonville, Wis. : 

(913) i. Frank Elbert Bronsdon^, b. Apr. 9, 1883. 

(914) ii. Minnie Regvla Bronsdon^, b. June 18, 1886. 

(915) iii. Lea Madeline Bronsdon', b. Mar. 16, 1889. 

(916) iv. Btdh Abbij Bronsdon\ b. July 10, 1892. 

(917) V. Holt Kundert Bronsdon', b. Mar. 5, 1894. 

(918) iii. Herbert Edgar Bronsdon', b. Mar. 10, 1857 ; d. Dec. 2, 1886, at 
Mantonville, Wis. ; m. Minnie Smith of Oshkosh, Wis... 1884. 



BKONSDON FAMILY. 1 99 



(895) Sumner Morse Bronsdon^ (William^, AV 11,1,1 a m^, 1;.\.m», I'.k.n.i.^ 

ROBT.^). 

He was b. May 3, 1832, and now, 1900, res. at Uciliii, Wis. 11.- i„. :it 
Vernon, Vt., Apr. 2, 1853, Miss Jane Bills, who was b. at Jirattleboro, Vt., 
Nov. 22, 1826. They removed from Baldwiuville, Mass., to ]{erliii, Wis., 
where Mrs. Bronsdon d. Jan. 31, 1856. 

One Son, b. in Baldwinvilh" (Town of Templeton) Mass. : 
(919) i. Frederick Sumner Brnnsdon'', b. Jan. 31, isnC; m. .Inly 2G, 
1884, Melissa Jane Bradley, who was b. at Farmiii,!.;tuii, Wis., 
June 5,^ 1861. They res. at Auroraville, Wis., where they 
have a fine dairy farm of 146 acres. 

Children, b. at Auroraville : 

(920) i. Ida May Bronsdon', b. Feb. 23, 1887. 

(921) ii. Florence Jane Bronsdon', b. Feb. 27, 1889. 

(922) iii. Frederick Lyle Sumner Bronsdon', b. July 1, 

1899. 



(898) William Tingley Bhonsdon® (William^ W'illiam^, Bant', 

Benj.^, Robt.^). 

He was the son of (841) William Bronsdon^, Jr., and his tliird wife 
Martha (Holt), and was b. at Athol, ]\Iass., June 27, 1842; m. at Win- 
chendon, Mass., Jan. 19, 1868, by Rev. Father Moran, Miss Dortha Kings- 
ton Abbott, b. Jan. 8, 1843, at Ormistown, Canada East, and dau. of Allen 
and Barbara (McGill) Abbott. Mr. W. T. Bronsdon served in the 53d Regt., 
M. V. M., during the Civil War. He was a member of the- G. A. R. and 
A. 0. U. W. His wudow resides at Baldwiuville. 

Children : 
(923) i. Allen Abbott Bronsdon'', b. in Templeton (village of Baldwiuville) 
Mass., Sept. 25, 1869; m. at Keene, N. H., Oct. 17, 1895, by 
Rev. Mr. De Bevoise, Susie Crosby Abbott, dau. of Relief 
(Bosworth) and Warren Abbott of Keene, N. II. j\lr. Brons- 
don is a graduate of Lay College, Revere, Mass., 1895. Was 
appointed general secretary of the Y. M. C. A., and lived at 
Clinton, INIass., from Sept., 1895, to May, 1897, and at Keene 
until Sept., 1897. Ordained to Congregational ministry at 
Oakham, Mass., Dec. 2, 1897. 

Child : 
(924) i. William Abbott Bronsdon', b. Nov. 15, 1896, at 
Clinton. 

(925) ii. Ella Maria Bronsdon' , b. Sept. 25, 1869 ; d. Oct. 21. 1S75. 

(926) iii. Bessie May Bronsdori?, b. July 6, 1883 ; res. at home with her 

mother. 



200 PART I. 

(899) Akethusa Bronsdon® (William^, William*, Bant^, Benj.^, 

ROBT.^). 

She was b. Oct. 25, 1844, at Athol ; m. Oct. 5, 1861, by Elder Fay, 
William J. Rogers, who was b. at Wendell, Mass., May 9, 1838, and was 
son of Artemas Rogers. He was in the 36th Mass. Eegt. during the Civil 
War. He d. July 9, 1837. They have descendants : three children living, 
George H.'', Vina B.'^ and Charles F.'^ Rogers. 



(903) Henry Harrison Bronsdon* (William^, William*, Bant^, 

Ben.j.-, Robt.^). 

Henry Harrison BR0NSD0N^ son of (841) William Bronsdon, Jr., and 
his third wife, Martha (Holt), was b. at Athol, Mass., Oct. 2, 1850 ; m. Oct. 
19, 1879, at So. Vernon, Vt., Angelia Aurista Holt, who was b. Dec. 9, 
1859, and dau. of Aaron Holt of Athol. Mr. and Mrs. Bronsdon res. at 
Warwick, Mass. They have five children living: 

(927) i. Eva Mm/ Bronsdon'', b. Aug. 24, 1880. 

(928) ii. Benjomiti FranUln Bronsdon\ b. Oct. 27, 1882. 

(929) iii. Lniu Sophia Bronsdor,\ b. Feb. 23, 1887. 

(930) iv. Ida Belle Bronsdon\ b. Feb. 22, 1889. 

(931) V. Annie Angelia Bronsdon'' , b. June 12, 1892. 



(903) Lilla Maria Bronsdon® (William^, William*, Bant^, Benj.', 

ROBT.^). 

She was the sixteenth and youngest surviving child of (841) AVilliam 
Bronsdon, Jr. Her mother was Martha (Holt) Bronsdon. She was b. at 
Athol, Mass., Sept. 13, 1853; m. Apr. 13, 1876, at Franklin, Mass., Mr. 

Alonzo S. Greenwood, who was b. — , , and son of Maria (Adams), 

b. at Newport, R.I., Sept. 6, 1834, and Seneca A. Greenwood, b. at South- 
boro, Mass., June 2, 1825. Mr. Greenwood is a mason by trade and res. at 
Franklin. 

Child : 
(932) i. (iUhert Alviii' Greenwood, b. Apr. 29, 1879. (Infant daughter 
died.) 



BRONSDON FAMILY. oo] 



OIIS- 



(843) Elizabeth (Bktskv) JJuonsdon'^ (W im.iam'. |;ant«, Hkn.,.^ 

KOBT.^). 

She was tlie third c-hikl of (L>87) Capt. William and Kuth (liud., IJ,...,- 
don, and was b. in Phillipston (then Gerry), Mass., Sept. 10, 17<)S ■ „> M-iy 
27, 1829, at Phillipston, by the Rev. Jcseplr Chickerinfr, Wiiiian, I.a.v 
merchant, who was b. at Jaffrey, K H., Nov. 9, 1795; d. at East Jaffrcy! 
K H., June 20, 1809. She d. thirteen years after. May 8, 1882. Churcli 
records of Phillipston give her baptism : 

''Nov. 11^1798. Then was baptized Betsey, daughter of William 
Bronsdon and Ruth his wife by Ebenezer Tucker." 

This Rev. Ebenezer Tucker was a native of Milton, Mass., and an .,ld 
acquaintance of the Bronsdon family. He was for several years setth'<l in 
Gerr}^, but d. in Milton in 1848, aged 84 years. 

Betsey was named for her father's mother, Mrs. Elizabeth (Box) I'.rons- 
don, who was always called " Betsey " or " lietty." 

Mr. and Mrs. Lacy were a most worthy couple. She was of a social 
nature and enjoyed visiting and receiving friends. Mr. Lacy was more 
retiring in manner, but always to be relied upon for upright and faithful 
performance of duty. Both were favorites in the family and with a large 
circle of friends. 

Children : 

(933) i. James Stone^ Lacy, b. Mar. 3, 1830 ; m. July 22, LSSC, Dorcas C. 

Perkins. No children. They res. at East Jaffrey, N. H. 

(934) ii. Sophia Ursula^ Lacy was b. Sept. 3, 1831 ; m. at Jaffrey Center, 

N. H., Jan. 8, 1857, by Rev. Leonard Tenney, to William 
Wallace Slason, b. June 2, 1818, and son of Francis and .Alary 
(Gordon) Slason of Rutland, Vt. He d. lALar. 12, 1875, as the 
result of an accident on the railroad at ]\Iiddlebury, Vt., at the 
age of m yrs. 9 mos. 9 d. Sophia U. Lacy was" his second 
Avife. She and her only surviving child res. at East Jaffrey, 
N. H. She was employed at the East Jaffrey Public Library 
for eight years ; before marriage, was a teacher. She has had 
many bereavements. Five promising children d. in childhood 
of diphtheria, and her oldest daughter, a very beautiful young 
lady, d. suddenly of heart failure. 

Children, b. at East Jaffrey, N. H. : 

(935) i. Annette Lacy"^ Slason, b. Jan. 7, 1858 ; d. Jan. 9, 

1890. 

(936) ii. Celia Francis' Slason, b. Apr. 12, 18G0. 

(937) iii. Willia7n MeUille'' Slason, b. Oct. 18, 1861 ; d. 

Dec. 23, 1864. 



•202 PART I. 



(938) iv. A7UI Maria'' Slason, b. Sept. 25, 1862 ; d. Oct. 8, 

1862. 

(939) V. Charles Hiram'' Slason, b. Sept. 27, 1863; d. 

Dec. 18, 1864. 

(940) vi. Minnie Sophia'' Slason, b. Oct. 23, 1864; d. Dec. 

15, 1864. 

(941) vii. James Laey'' Slason, b. Dec. 27, 1865 ; d. Nov. 8, 

1866. 



(843) Rebecca Dennis Bronsdon^ 

She was the fourth chihl of (287) Capt. William^ and Ruth (Rich) 
Bronsdon of Phillipston, Mass., and her bapt. is thus recorded: 

'•• 1805, Apr. 7*" I Baptized Rebecca Dennis daughter of Capt. W°' 
Bronsdon. (signed) E. L. Bascom." 

She n:. Ezekiel Cutler, Feb. 10, 1846, by whom she had no children. 
She d. at the home of her nephew Lysander, Feb. 3, 1871. 



(844) Hannah Lewis BronsdonI 

She was fifth and youngest child of (287) Capt. William^ and Ruth 
(Rich) Bronsdon of Phillipston, and b. Aug. 29, 1807 ; d. at Baldwinville, 
July 18, 1891. She never married. She was a splendid specimen of woman- 
hood, mentally and physically ; beloved by all her relatives and friends in 
an unusual degree. She was looked up to and her advice sought on all 
occasions. She continued to visit lier Bronsdon relatives in Eastern Massa- 
chusetts until her uncles and aunts passed away, and new generations had 
arisen to whom she was a stranger. One is yet living, Mr. Lewis Bronsdon, 
b. 1814, who recollects that she frequently came to Milton in her earlier 
years. Hannah Bronsdon was the stay of her father in his declining years 
and survived the longest of his children, dying at the age of 84 years, and 
is bur. in Greenlawn Cemetery, Baldwinville, Mass., with many others of 
her relatives. 



I 



PART 11. -^ BOX GENEALOGY. 



INCLUDES ALSO 



STOCKER AND STORY ANCESTRY, 



ALSO THE 



HOSKINS DESCENDANTS OF JOHN ROW 




SILVER BUTTER DISH, KNIFE AND SPOON, THAT BELONGED TO JOHN BOX, Sr , ENGRAVED • B. 
SPOON AND PITCHER BELONGING IN THE HOSKINS FAMILY, ENGRAVED " C. H." 



PART II. 

JOHN BOX, Merchant and Rope-maker. 



Elisha Story, Father-in-Law ok John Box. 

Elisha Story's daughter, Lydia, m. John ]iox, and luid daughter, 
Elizabeth, who m. Capt. l^ant Bronsdon^ (Benj.^, Robt.^), ancestors of the 
present Brousdon familjr. Elizabeth's sister, Lydia Box, m. William Hos- 
kins. (See Hoskins branch.) 

Elisha Story is said to have come from England about 1700. He was 
accompanied by a sister, Sarah, who, later, m. Thomas Dawes. (See Dawes 
genealogy.) Elisha Story lived where the "Eevere House " now stands in 
Boston. He was a "cordwainer " (shoe-maker). He became a member of 
the Old South Church in 1705. He m. first, Oct. 17, 1706, by Eev. Ebenezer 
Pemberton, Lydia, daughter of Benjamin and Mary Emmons, and by her 
had two sons, both named Elisha. Neither lived but a short time, and the 
mother d. July 27, 171S, in about a week after the birth of the last one. 

Mr. Story then m. second, Sarah, widow of Charles IJenouf, or 
Renough, Oct. 1, 1713, by Rev. Benjamin Wadsworth. They were all mem- 
bers of the Old South Church. Her marriage to INIr. Renouf is thus 
recorded : 

"Sept. 1, 1704 by M'' Sam' Willard, Charles Renouf and Sarah 
Stocker." She was doubtless that Sarah, b. Dec. 8, 1683, in Boston, whose 
parents were Samuel and Elizabeth Stocker. Elizabeth being a second wife 
of Mr. Stocker, who originall}^ belonged in Lynn or Salem, as did also the 
Renouf family. The widow Renouf had tAvo children — Clement, b. about 
1705, and Rebecca. 

Children by Mr. Story were : 
i. Sarah Story, b. Sept. 8, 1714; d. young. 

ii. Ellzahetli Storii') , -.r o^^-^-o i 
• •• 77T, • 7 o. -^ - b. Mar. 3, 171 (-8; d. young. 

111. Elisha Story \ ' > j o 

iv. Lydia Story, bapt. (?) Mar. 26, 1718-9; m. John Box. (See Box 
family). 

V. William Story, b. Apr. 25, 1720; d. at Marblehead, Nov. 2-J. 171)9; 
m. first, Elizabeth Marion, Aug. 13, 1741, three children; m. sec- 
ond, Joanna Appleton, ^lay 14, 1747, seven children ; third, Abi- 
gail Marshall, Feb. 29, 1776, no children. 



206 PART II. 



Mr. Story d. Sept. 20, 1725, aged 42 years, and IMrs. Story d. June 
28, 1741, aged 58 years. She was left with two children, aged 7 and 5 years> 
besides her children by her first husband. 

The Story Homestead. . 

'•'Jan. 29, 1710. Allowance to Build. To Elisha Storey to Erect a 
Timber building for a Dwelling house of 39 foot length 18 foot width and 
17 foot stud on his land abutting on Cambridge Street in Boston to stand 
with one end thereof fronting the s^^ street in the room and stead of an Old 
building of about the same length there now Standing which was formerly 
the Dwelling House of M"" Jeremiah Fitch dec'' which he intends to 
Demollish." (See 29th Report of Boston Eec. Commissioners.) 



The following Will was important in its bearing upon the fortunes of 
John Box : 

WILL OF ELISHA STORY. 

[See Suffolk Probate.] 

I Elisha Story of Boston in New England being in good health of 
body and of sound mind and memory praised be God therefor considering 
the frailty of my Body and uncertainty of my life Do make and ordain this 
my present last Will and Testament in manner and form following. That 
is to say first and principally I Commend my soul unto the Hands of 
Almighty God hoping for pardon and remission of all my sins through the 
alone merits Death and Passions of my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and 
to inherit Eternal Life and my Body I committ to the earth to be decently 
buried at the discretion of my executors herein named And as touching 
such Temporal Estate it hath pleased God to bestow upon me I Give Devise 
and Dispose thereof in manner as followeth. First I will that all my just 
debts and Funeral Charges be paid and Discharged 

Item I Give and Bequeath unto my loving Wife Sarah Story the one 
third part of all my estate here in Boston Reall and Personal for and during 
the terme of her natural life with the use and Improvement of my whole 
estate while she do Continue my Widow for her Comfortable subsistence 
and for bringing up my Children and Furthermore I Give and Bequeath 
unto s^ wife her heirs and assigns forever all that my lot of lands in 
Nottingham in the Province of New Hampshire with the whole Proprietie- 
Priviledges and Appurtenances thereunto in anywise appertaining the which 
lot is Number Thirty-Six in Fish Street. 

Item. I Give and Bequeath unto my Wife her two Children she had 
by her former Husband to wit : Clement Renouf and Rebecca Renouf and 
their heirs forever all that my other Lot in s*' Nottingham number fourteen 
drawn in the name of Clement Renouf with the whole Proprietie Priviledges 
and Appurtenances thereunto belonging or in anywise appertaining which 
shall be equally divided between them two, share and share alike, the which 
Lot is in North Street. 

All my Estate Real and Personal whatsoever lying and Being in Boston 
afores"^ I Give and Bequeath unto my own Children to be Equally Divided 



BOX fa:\iit,v. of)j 



among them as they Respectively shall come to Lawful a^e or inaniaKt* J)av 
always reserving unto my Wife their Mother her thirds aforesaid during her 

natural life. 

And I do hereby nominate and appoint my said Wiii- witii my loving 
brother Thomas Daws to be the Executors of this my last Will ^"t Testament. 

In Witness whereof I have Hereunto set my Hand and Seal tlie Sixth 
Day of January in the year of our Lord God One Thousand Seven Hundred 
and Twenty-three. 

(signed) Kmsha Stoi;v (seal) 

In presence of John Smith, Mary Hart and John Cole. 

The will was probated Sept. 30, 1725. 



Division of Story Estate. 

A Warrant to Divide was Issued l)y Hon"* Josiah Willard Dec 31 
1743. (See Vol. 36, No. 5138, Suffolk Probate.) 

"Elisha Storeys Real Estate Division." 

" Suffolk IT We the Subscribers being chosen and Ajipointed by the 
Hon"'' Josiah Willard Escf Judge of Probate &c to make just and equal 
division of the Real Estate whereof Elisha Storey late of Boston in County 
of Suffolk deed siezed in fee situated in Boston aforesaid between his son 
William Storey and his daughter Lydia Box in equal moyetys pursuant to 
his last Will as by the Warrant to us directed bearing date the thirty-hrst 
day of December last, present reference thereto being had, may fully 
approve. 

Now therefore we the subscribers pursuant to the said Warrant to us 
directed as aforesaid went on and to the said Estate whereof the said Elisha 
Storey dyed siezed and after deliberate and mature consideration had We 
do proportion and sett off the same in manner and forme following That 
is to say AVe assign and set off to the said William Storey only son of the 
s** Deed as his full proportion of the estate of his late said father the rear 
parts of the Dwelling House wherein he now dwells with the kitchen next 
thereto adjoining and land \nuler the same situate in Cambridge street so 
called in said Boston beginning at the middle of the Front door and running 
upon a straight line to M"" Benjamin Fitchs land bounded easterly by a 
passage-way of six feet hereinafter by these presents set off to lye in common 
and there measuring thirty-three feet six inches more or less westerly by 
M"" Andrew Elliotts land and there measuring thirty-three feet six inches 
more or less and Northerly on the front part of said Dw^elling House herein- 
after by these presents set off to the said Lydia Box and there measuring 
eighteen and one-half feet more or less as also being that ]>iece or jiarcell 
being the front part of the land belonging to said House bounded as follows 
Northerly in the front on Cambridge street so called and there measuring 
fourteen feet more or less, easterly on M"" Storeys land ami there measuring 
twenty-one feet one inch more or less Southei'ly on land hereafter set oft' by 
these presents to Lydia Box and there measuring fourteen feet more or less 
and westerly on the passageway of six feet wide as aforesaid and there 



208 " PART II. 



measuring twenty -one feet one inch more or less with the free and unin- 
terrupted nse and privilege of the well and pump and the Passageway from 
the Gate to the Pump and we so assign and set off to the said Lydia Box 
only daughter of the said Deed, as her full proportion of the real estate of 
her said Father the front part of the said Dwelling house running from the 
street upon a straight line to ]\P' Benjamin Fitchs land .... And we 
also assign and set off the stair case leading from the Front door to the 
Garret to lye in common for the free and uninterrupted use and improve- 
ment of the said William Storey and Lydia Box their heirs and assigns and 
that the Gate Front Door and Stair case Well and Pump be kept in repair 
equally by both parties And we the subscribers do unanimously agree and 
make this our Peport of the Division and Partition of the House and Land 
aforementioned according to our best skill and judgment. 

In Testimony whereof we have hereunto set our hands and seals to 
these Presents this Twelfth Day of January Anno Domini One Thousand 
and Seven hundred and forty-three and in the seventeenth year of his 
Reign. 

In presence of (Signed) Will" Downe and a seal. 

Thos. Fleet Stephen Boutineau " " " 

ISTath'-'' Thwing. Jacob Parker " " " 



Joshua Blanchard " " " 
Thos. Foster " '• " " 



W^illiam Story, after the death of his first wife, Elizabeth (Marion), 
mortgaged his end of the house to John Box for £435 and removed to King 
Street (State), where he was living as a Crown officer when the mob attacked 
his house and sacked it, destroying his papers, etc. John Box bought the 
interest of William in the Story property, July, 1746, for £750. Mr. Story 
resigned his office as "Deputy Register of the Court of the Admiralty" in 
August, 1765. 

W^illiam Story has illustrious descendants, one of whom has been 
enshrined in the Hall of Fame by name — Chief Justice Joseph Story, one 
of the best known citizens of the United States in times past. His son 
was AVilliam Wetmore Story, who achieved marked distinction as poet and 
sculptor. 

Mr. Robert Marion Pratt has extensive Story Family records. His 
grandmother, Mrs. Eliza (Story) Pratt, was daughter of Dr. Elisha Story of 
Marblehead, the noted patriot. William Story died in Marblehead at the 
home of Dr. Elisha Story, his son. 



150X FAMILY. o,,f, 



John Box\ '' Kdpk-makkk." 
[His daughter Ei izabkth m. Capt. Bant Buox.„o^•^ an.l .l.oy are U.o auro.inr. 
Lly] ' "" '' ''''' ^''' "' ''""■^' ^''^ ^^-^^ f'' •" ^ S '•'.?"-" 

I • ?ra- •^''t'' ^'''''' ''''°'' ^'^™^^^ ^'^°"°'^ ^^ ^^'^ ^^^""'^i^l' fe'^>'trv, was 

^on ; ;/" . " "' ^''' ''^^1^'""'^ "^ ^^"^^^•■^•'^ *^" ^'•"- '--vvlecige in 

l.oO at Charlestown, wliere he asked for a settlement, and, soon after as 

the husband of Lydia Story, dau. of Elislia, in Boston. i;y a reference to 
the preceding article on Story family, it AviU be seen that he acquired a part 
of the Story homestead through his marriage to Lydia. Her mother reside.! 
^vith them, dying in the summer of 1741, and a feu- months later, AVilliun. 
Story, who had also made one of their family, married and commenced 
housekeeping in a part of the house. William's wife, was a remarkably 
gifted and intelligent woman, and tradition says that Mrs. Box was very 
proud of her brother's choice. For Lydia (Story) Box's birth and parent- 
age, see preceding pages. 

Children of John and Ltdia Avere : 

(B 2) i. Elizabeth Box^h. , 173 — ; m. Capt. Bant Bronsdon. (See 

Bronsdon genealogy.) 
(B 3) ii. John Box-, bapt. Oct. 5, 1737; m. twice; d., 171)9 
(B 4) iii. Lydia Box\ bapt. Mar. 4, 1738-9; bur. Sept. 11, 1743 
(B 5) IV. Elisha Box% bapt. Apr. 11, 1740; bur. Sept. 11, 1743 
(B 6) V. A7in Box% bapt. Mar. 14, 1741-2; bur. Sept. 18, 1743 
(B 7) vi. Lydia Box% bapt. Apr. 24, 1745; m. William Hoskins. CSee 

below.) 
(B 8) vii. Sarah Box^ bapt. Oct. 28, 1747 ; m. Amos (?) Davis 
(B 9) vui. Ann Box% bapt. Nov. 22; bur. Nov. 27, 1749. 
(B 10) ix. Ilary Box% bapt. '-, 1757 ; bur. Dec. 30, 1799. 

John Box has descendants through his daughters, Elizabeth and Lydia, 
only. As the children of Lydia (Mrs. Hoskins) are equally related to all 
the Bronsdons, they and a portion of their descendants are included in this 
work, having been compiled by Mrs. William Gay Waitt (b. Eleanor 
Hoskins) for this Genealogy. 

Mr. Box engaged in business as a rope-maker. In 1743, he borrowed 
of Joseph Smith " 266 good Spanish milled dollars " to extend his business. 
He purchased of Ebenezer Storer, in 1755, a piece of land on "Bacon" Hill, 
110 feet long by 77 feet wide. (See book 87, leaf 15, Suffolk Deeds.) 

In the Boston Weekly Newsletter of June 11, 1741, we find: •• Last 
Saturday night about one o'clock a Fire broke out at the liopewalk of M'" 
Box Avhieh consumed his store-house wherein was a considerable quantity 
of Hemp & Yarn and sundry Barrels of Tar. The fire was extinguished 
with much Difficulty, the Damage is computed at about £2000." 

The merchants of those days met with frequent and serious reverses. 



14 



210 PART ir. 



The land on " Bacon " Hill was purchased in the name of •' Box & 
Austin,"' which fixes 1755 as an approximate date of the formation of the 
partnership. In 1758 more land was acquired of Timothy Prout on George 
(Hancock) Street (see book 91, leaf 164, Suffolk Deeds). In 1760 they 
purchased extensively on George, Garden and May Streets (see book 91, 
leaf 46, 119, 258). 

Rope-making formed one of the principal branches of industry in the 
old Colony days. " Gleaner " (Nathaniel Bowditch), a writer of local 
history, states that there were fourteen rope-walks spinning all at once for 
a period of sixty years in Boston. 

Box & Austin did business largely as merchants, especially in the 
importation of cordage and other articles used for purposes of navigation, 
which were procured from abroad. They supplied vessels of the British 
Navy as well as the merchant marine, which were sent to the Port of Boston 
to be refitted by this celebrated firm. They had a sail loft at the North 
End where sails Avere cut and fitted. Their warehouse and office was on 
King Street, and narrowly escaped destruction in the great fire of 1760. 

The rope-walks were bounded northerly by Myrtle Street. Belknap 
(Joy) Street runs through their site. During the British occupation of 
Boston they were used as stables by the British cavalry. The land, before 
development, belonged to Judge Elisha Cooke and was known as Cooke's 
Pasture. Box & Austin's rope-walks between Myrtle and Pinckney Streets 
had a length of 361 feet. Another rope-Avalk of theirs separated Hancock 
Street from the Hancock estate by a width of 24 feet. On the corner of 
Hancock (then Turner) and Derne Streets Mr. Box erected a mansion-house, 
also other buildings on Hancock Street. 

His partner, Mr. Austin, was born in 1716, and was consequently much 
younger. He was traveled and educated and took a conspicuous part in 
public affairs. The dress of a gentleman of that day was very striking. 
Mr. Austin is described in a large white wig, scarlet roquelot, and carry- 
ing a gold-headed cane, and similar articles of apparel are noted in John 
Box's inventory. The rope-walks finally became the property of a Mr. Cade 
and were burned in 1794. 

Mr. Box is sometimes referred to as " Major," but we have found no 
evidence of military life on his part, although his brother was a naval com- 
mander in Egypt under Nelson. 

In the records of King's Chapel (corner of School and Tremont Streets, 
Boston) we find numerous Box records ; biit the marriage of John Box and 
Lydia Story, also the birth of their oldest child, Elizabeth (who m. Capt. 
Bronsdon), are missing, lost, probably, when the books took a hurried flight 
with the royalist rector, Mr. Caner, to Nova Scotia. All the succeeding 
children and grandchildren are recorded. Mr. Box purchased pew No. 91 



BOX FAMILY. •_> J J 



in the gallery, Mar. 19, 1734, for £20. This indicates tliat lie was aliojuly 
married at that time, as young single men did not beronie i.cw-owiiprs 
ordinarily. He was vestryman in 1741, 17 11'. 17 1.'^^, 17f;i. 17(;."., 1771; 
Warden, either senior or junior, from 174G to 1754, inclusive. 

" Mar. 30"' 1755, Easter Monday it was voted that the Tlianks of the 
Congregation be given M'' John Box for his long and Good service as 
Warden of this Church." (Church records.) 

He acted as sponsor, with Mrs. liox and others, to various infants in 

baptism. For instance: 

"1751, July 3. Infant Henry Caner, John Box and Aim Caner, 
sponsors." 

"1750, July 8. Infant Mary Phillips, daughter of John & Ann 
Phillips. Mr. Box sponsor."' 

" — Infant James Gordon. John Box, sponsor." (K. C. 

records.) 

He gave towards rebuilding the present chapel two hundred pounds 
" Old Tenor," and later one hundred pounds "for its finishing"; also lie 
contributed three pounds and three shillings towards the purchase of the 
organ. He was present at the 

"Ceremoxies Attendant upon Laying the Cokner Stone of 

King's Chapel. 

"Between the hours of 10 and 11 in the Forenoon the Rev. M'' Caner 
accompanied by M'' Gordon, M'' Box and M'" Grayton were observed to go 
down School Street together on their way to His Excellency's House as was 
then generally conjectured and at about 11 the Procession began accordingly 
from the Province House. 

" First His Excellency Our Governour (Shirley) with the Pev. ^1'' Caner 
at his right and Rev. M'" Blackwell at his left hand proceeded. Then the 
Church Wardens (M'" Box & Gordon) vestry, &c. followed by about 25 
couples of the Principal Friends. 

" When the Procession came to the Church Yard his Excellenc}- sup- 
ported by the two Chaplains descended the Trench where the stone which 
was dedicated to God was laying at the iSTorth East corner of the Church 
with the Inscription upwards which was then immediately turned by the 
workmen downwards in the Sacred place prepared for its Reception. 

" On this Stone the Governour knocked four times with a mason's 
trowel (just the number of raps Archbishop Laud gave the door of St. 
Catherine's Creed Church at his memorable consecration of it). Some 
devout expressions were then dropt by his Excellency and Chajdains. 

" The Governour then ascended the ladder and this i)art of the cere- 
mony being ended the company in the same manner they walked from the 
Province House entered the King's Chapel where was a sermon very projierly 
delivered by M'" Caner from the text: The God of Heaven He will prosper 
us therefore we His servants will arise and build. A Hymn of Praise 
concluded the solemnity." 



919 PART 11. 

Extract from ''The Annals of King's Chapel" (published 1896 by 

Mr. Foote). 

"The convincing proof of the real character of the teaching and 
inflnence of the church is given by the character of the persons composing 
it After ahnost a century and a half we can clearly discern that many ot 
them were lield in marked respect and honor ... not merely receiving 
lip service on account of their wealth and office, but trusted with an excep- 
tional confidence. Such names as those of John Box . . . m business 
which testify not only to the social character, but to the moral and 
religious tone of the church." 

Dec 4 1746 John Box as Warden signed the " Request of the Pro- 
prietors of 'King's Chapel to the Eev. Henry Caner" to be Rector of said 

'^^March 4 1747. John Box as Junior Warden of King's Chapel signed 
the Petition 'of the Rev. Henry Caner and his Wardens for more land to 

enlarge the Church. , t i 

(See Records and Annals of King's Chapel for many references to John 

Box.) 

Mr John Box was one of the Honi^i<^ gody of Gentlemen who visited 
the ]^lblic Schools July 1, 1763. Other gentlemen were Mr. Hancock Jas. 
Burden, Andrew Oliver, Rev. Mr. Cooper, Dr. Chas. Chauncey, etc. They 
reported the schools all in very good order. (See Boston Town Records.) 

The autograph of John Box is reproduced in the Boston Memorial 
History. In a Masonic poem he is characterized as short in stature. 

John Box a Pree Mason. 

He was a prominent and active member of the Masonic Order, which he 
joined July 23, 1740. He was present at nearly every meeting of St. John's 
Grand Lodge, Boston, until just before his death in 1774. He held impor- 
tant offices in the Lodge. His name occurs^repeatedly in the records which 
have been published under the direction of the present Grand Recorder, Mr. 
Sereno D. Nickerson, who has courteously afforded us every proper facility 
in obtaining knowledge of John Box and John Box, Jr., who was also a 
member of the same Lodge. 

The Archives of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts contain the earliest 
Masonic Records now known to be in existence on this continent, dating 
from 1733. These records contain a reference to Benjamin Brimsdon 
(Bronsdon), who became a member in 1741. He was son of Benjamin 
Bronsdon2 (Robt.i) and was a ''mariner," and, it is said, finally resided 
permanently in England ; also to William Bant, who was a prominent 
Mason (see his life in Appendix) and Thomas Milliken, whose oldest daughter 
married David Vallette, and William Haskins, son-in-law of John Box, Sr. 



IJOX FAMILY. 213 



Dec. 1773. Bro'' ]>ox was a Tall-hoiaer at tlie funeral of .M' i;.,l)ort 
Jenkins. It was very cold weather. 

In February, 1774, he was present at Col" IngersoH's with the lirclhrt'ii 
on special matters. (See Kowe's Diary.) 

In the Autumn of that year he died, Oct. ol, J 77 I. Mr. I.'mu.- thu.s 
speaks of his funeral : 

"3 ISTovem'' 1774. Thursday afternoon I attended the Fuuerall of 
Brother Box and was a Bearer together with James Pitts Esc], D'' Gardner, 
M'' Chandon, M'" Henderson Inches and j\F Gilbert Deblois. it was a hand- 
some funerall. The Free masons walked in proper f(.rm."' 

No. 1021 of Edes and Hill's Boston Gazette also printed the following 
obituary : 

" Oct. 31, 1774, died of a consumptive disorder and on Thursday, Nov. 
3 was decently interred M^ John Box aged 75 (77) years who was for 
upwards of 40 years an eminent rope maker in this town. He was a man 
of a fair unblemished character, strictly just in his dealings, a Constant 
attender of Divine worship, several years in turn a Warden of King's Chapel 
and one of the Vestry. An assistant and promoter in rebuilding that 
Church. 

" He was no meddler in politics yet a well wisher to the publick 
welfare. He loved order and condemned too great a stretch of power, much 
esteemed by his A\^orthy acquaintance and by the public in general. He was 
a tender affectionate husband and parent. 

'' The Ancient and Honourable Society of Free Masons conducted his 
body to the burial place in token of a tender regard to their worthy deceased 
brother. 

" He has left a widow and several children of adult age to mourn the 
loss of a Husband and Parent." 

He is interred in his family tomb under King's Chapel. It is Xo. II, 
and the fourth from the front (Tremont Street) on the School Street side. 
There are twenty tombs under the Chapel. For plan and owners in 1813, 
see diagram in ''Annals of King's Chapel." Over the Box tomb is tlie 
inscription, " John Box, B, Haskins." 

The memory of John Box has been kept alive in the Bronsdon family 
by certain circumstances connected with his estate, Avhich was for many 
years in dispute. Until 1839 the IJronsdon heirs were claimants for the 
estate of their uncle, John Box, Jr., on Beacon Hill, Boston. Owing to a 
provision in the Will of John Box, Sr., the younger Box found himself 
unable to provide even for his widow, who was one of the Ervings of Boston, 
and the Bronsdons maintained and cared for her until she died, in 1814. 
Owing to the litigation concerning the estate, the Avhole was lost to the heirs. 



214 PAKT 11. 



It passed into the liancls of prominent persons in Boston, who, by assuming 
the taxes, acquired a title wliicli was confirmed by the State Legislature 
in 1839. 

A few years ago our attention was attracted b}^ an announcement in the 
Boston Eoening Transcript by Miss Elizabeth Trott of Niagara Falls, K.Y., 
that among her father's papers were original documents relating to the early 
Box and Hoskins estates. After some correspondence, an old certified copj' 
of the Box Will was presented to (526) Margaret Emmeline Parker, a great- 
great-great-granddaughter of John and Lydia (Story) Box, and other papers 
relating to the Box and Hoskins families were given to Mrs. Eleanor 
(Hoskins) Waitt. 

Will of John Box, of Boston. (Copy.) 
[See Suffolk Probate, book 74, leaf 178.] 

In the name of God Amen. I John Box of Boston in the County of 
Suffolk and Province of the Massachiisetts Bay in New England, Rope 
maker, being weak in Body but of Sound Disposing Mind and Memory Do 
Make and Declare this my last Will and Testament in manner following to 
wit. Eirst relying on the Wisdom and Benignity of Almighty God, I Com- 
mend my Soul to His intire disposal not doubting through the Merits and 
Passion of Jesus Christ I shall receive a full Remission of all my sins and 
an Admission into the joys of Eternal life. My Body I commit to the earth 
to be decently buried at the Discretion of my executors hereinafter named : — 

Touching my worldly estate my Will is that all mj- Debts and funeral 
charges be paid in a convenient time after my decease. 

Item. I give Devise and Bequeath to my Beloved Wife Lydia one 
third part of all my real estate to hold the same for and during the term of 
her Natural life and in case Fire or other casualty should destroy any part 
of the said third part of my Real Estate then my Will is that my said Wife 
be alloAved a comfortable Subsistance out of the Residue of the said third 
part of said estate and I hereby authorize and impower my said executors 
to make sale of any part of the same for that purpose. 

Item. I give to my said Wife all my Plate and Household furniture 
my Gold Watch & seals my Negro girl Dinah and my Horse & Chaise to her 
and her heirs forever. 

Item. I Give to my Daughter Elizabeth Bronsdell (Bronsdon) widow 
of Bant Bronsdell late of said Boston deceased the sum of five shillings 
I having provided for her during my lifetime is the reason of my giving her 
only that sum. 

Item. I Give and Devise to my son John two thirds of my moiety of 
the Rope walks improved by myself in Company with Benjamin Austin 
Esq'' together with two thirds of all my Right Title and Interest to the land 
under and about the same including the Tar House & the proper utensils of 
said Ropewalks and all the Appurtenances of the same to hold to him and 
his heirs forever also I Give to my said Son all the Right Title and Interest 
in my two negro men Hamilton and Tom Also my other negro man London 
and my Will further is that my said son Have and Receive a quarter part 



BOX FAMILY, 



_ I . ) 



of the Moyety of the neat balance that shall be found due to niystdf and mv 
co-partner Benjamin Austin Es(]' upon the settlement of our Company's 
Books & Receipts of such I'alance. 

Item. I Give and Bequeath to my daughter Lydia Wife of M' Willijun 
Hoskins of Boston aforesaid, Merchant, one moiety or half part of all the 
Residue of my Real Estate wherever the same may be found not luM-ein 
before disposed of To Have and To Hold the same to Her and her heirs 
forever also the other half part of all the Residue of my ]'ersoiud Estate not 
herein before disposed of whether in action or })OSsession. 

Item. I Give to my Daughter Sarah Five shillings her conduct haveing 
merited my Displeasure is the reason for giving her that sum only. 

Item. I (Uve and Devise to my J)aughter JNtary the other 3l(jiety and 
half part of all the Residue of my Real Estate wherever the same may be 
found not herein before disposed of to Have and To Hold to her and her 
heirs forever also the other half part of all the Residue of my Personal 
Estate not herein before disposed of in action (n- possession and my ^Vill 
and Intent is that my said Daughter Lydia and my said Daughter Mary 
have equal shares and proportions of my Real and Personal Estate. 

Item. I Give to my Good Friend and Co-])artner Benj'* Austin Es<i'' 
Ten pounds which I request his acceptance of to J?urchase a Suit of Mourn- 
ing. This sum with the Two sums of Five shillings herein before given to 
my Daughters Elizabeth & Sarah I order my Executors to ])ay out of my 
personal estate. 

Item. At the Decease of my said Wife I Give and Devise that part of 
my Real Estate herein before given to my said Wife during her Natural 
Life (unless before sold for her comfortable support) to my three children 
John, Lydia and Mary to hold to them and their heirs forever as Tenants 
in common and not as joint tenants and in case either of them should die 
before my said Wife his or her portion to go to his or her heirs of his or 
her Body lawfully begotten and in default of such heirs to the survivor or 
survivors of said three children, John, Lydia & Mary, in Equal Proportions 
and I hereby appoint my said Wife and my said son John & my son in law 
the said William Hoskins the Executors of this my last Will and Testament. 

In Witness whereof I have Hereunto set my Hand and Seal this Twenty 
eighth day of September Anno Domini one thousand Seven Hundred & 
seventy four and in the fourteenth year of His ]\Iajesty's Reign. 

(Signed) 

JoHx Box (and a seal) 

Signed, sealed. Published and Declared by the said Testator as and for 
His Last Will & Testament in Presance of us who at His Request in His 
Presance and in Presance of each other have subscribed our Names as 
Witness thereto. 

The words of His or Her Body lawfully begotten were interlined before 

signing and sealing. 

Benj^ Hichbokn 

Perez Mortox 

WlNTHROP GUAY 

SuFFOLK ss. The above written Will being presented for Probate by 
the executors therein named, Benj=^ Hichborn, Perez IMorton, & Winthrop 



216 



PART ir. 



Gray made Oath that they saw John Box the subscribe!" to this Instrument 
sign and seal and heard him publish and declare it to be his last Will and 
Testament & that when he so did he was of sound disposing Mind & Memory 
according to these Deponents best discerning and that they set to their 
Hands, &c. as Witnesses in the said Testators presence Boston, Nov. 4, 1774. 



F. Hutchinson, Jud. Probate. 



A true coppy Attest 



J'^o CoLTON, Reg"". 



Province of the ) c, 

T,r T> ^ Suffolk ss 

Massachusetts Bay \ 

To Mess''^ EzEKiEL Lewis, Sam'- Downe & Jacob Cooper all of Boston. 

in the county aforesaid Greeting : You are hereby appointed and 
impowered to take an inventory of and according to your best skill and 
juclgement truly and justly to apprize in Lawful money of this Province all 
the Estate whereof John Box late of sd Boston, Ropemaker, died seized in 
the aforesaid county and you are to make return of the W^ arrant with your 
doings thereon unto the Probate Office in the same county as soon as 
conveniently ma}^ be. 

Given under my Hand the 4''' Day of November, A.D. 1774. 

J. Hutchinson, Ju Prob. 
1775 ) 
Jan>' 13 I" Inventory of the Estate of Mr. John Box, Late of Boston, Rope- 
maker, Deceased, as appointed by us . the Subscribers. (We have omitted 
the valuation, as unimportant in detail. — Eds.) 






In the Front Room. 

1 Large Black Walnut Table 
1 small " " 

1 Round Mahogany 

1 square Tea 
20 cups, 20 saucers. 

2 bowls. 2 teapots 
1 Looking Glass. 

6 walnut chairs 

6 leather bottom chairs 

1 pr. An j irons 

1 brush 
10 pictures, maps. 
10 painted pictures 

3 Mahog"y Waiters 

10 Wine Glasses 
3 Delph Dishes 

11 plates, china Bowl 

1 pi" Decanters. 2 Beakers. 

2 Wash basons 

1 p'' Butter Boats 



In Closet. 






1 Prospective Glass. 






1 Dutch Saw 






1 hand saw 






1 Lantho]-n 






1 Pruning Knife. 






In Closet & Escratore. 






3 vols Tillotson's Works £1 


:00: 


:0 


1 " Nicholson's " 




;0 


6 " Sharp's Sermons 


12: 


;0 


3 " Cardinal Wolsey 


6: 


:0 


4 Table Cloths 






10 p'' Sheets 






19 pillow cases 






6 napkins. 







6 coffee cups. 
2 Tea Chests 



1 coffee mill 



Middle Room. 

1 Large Maple Table 
1 Looking Glass crackt 
6 old Leather Chairs 
1 Table, broke. 



BOX FAMILY. 



217 



6 Straw bottom'^ chairs 

1 old Desk* 

1 Bible 

Audjirons and Tongs. 

Kitchen. 
8 Pewter Dishes 
13 Plates, 6 Basons & Porringers. 
1 Brass Pot 
3 Brass Kittles. 
1 D« Skillet. 1 Dripping Pan 
3 Iron Pots. 2 Sauce Pans 
1 Dish Kittle. 1 Cleaver 
1 P^' Cast Andj irons 

1 P'' Andjirons wrot iron 
Shovell & Tono-s 
copper tea kettle 
gridiron and Toaster 

2 Tramells 1 Scimmer 
1 Fender. 

6 Brass Candlesticks 
1 Jack, 1 Spit. 
1 Table 1 pr Bellows 
Horse and Folding Board. 
1 " X cut " Saw. 

In Front Chavihef. 

1 old Table 

3 straw chairs 

In Entry Chamber. 

3 old Chairs 
3 p'- Flat Irons 

In Middle Chamber. 

1 small glass 
1 case draws. 

In Chamber. 

1 Looking Glass k Table 

1 case Draws 

Easy chair & cushion. 

8 Straw Chairs 

Tongs & Andjirons. Bellows. 

jute curtains & rods. 

1 Bed Stead, feather bed 

bolsters, pillows, blankets 

1 quilt 2 Blankets. 



Silver viz'- 

1 Punch Shaiver 
1 Porringer 
1 Tankard 1 p' castors 
1 Cann, 1 p'' Salts 

6 large Spoons & G Tea Spoons 
Tea Tongs 

1 Tobacco Box. 88^ oz. 

2 pr. candlesticks. 

2 doz. hard metal plates 

1 doz Ivory handle knives & fork.s 

1 p'' Snuffers 

1 double Pewter Tea Kittle 

2 hatts 2 Avigs 

2 handkerchiefs 1) shirts 
Tin Ware — Brass Scales 
1 warming pan 
1 p"" white hose 

1 counter i)ain 

4 flannel waist coats 
Clasps. 

Apparel. 

4 close body'' coats 

2 Jackets 

2 p'' Breeches 

1 Ked Surtout (" Scarlet Roquelot") 

1 chest 

Fustian coat, waistcot c\: iJreeches. 

8 ruffled Shirts 

7 p'" Hose 

1 Lambs Skin Surtout 
1 Green ]>anyan 
1 Gold Watcli. 



3 Neagro's Cribs & Beding. 

1 Negro Girl nam'' Dinah 

1 Chaise Horse. 

1 Chaise. 

A Pew in Kings Chaple 

1 Small Eope walk 

1 House & Land formerly Mr. Mes- 



singer's 



4- house & land in Cambridge Street, 
(the other half is Mrs. Box's maiden 

estate) 
1 Xegro boy nam*' London 
1 <•' " <' Pompey 



* The term " old " applied to furniture implied that it was brought from tlie mother 
country. 



218 



PART II. 



In Company 

(with Mr. Austin) 

Negro fellow Tom 

" " Hamilton 

A rope walk & land 
Utensils thereon 



£300 



Tar House & Land 
Mansion House improv*^ by Mr. Box 

£300 
A smaller house & Land adjoining 
A Brick Store and ^ store. 
A Parm in Nova Scotia and Some 
Stock. 



Note. The Nova Scotia property cannot be identified, altlioiigli researches liave 
been made at Halifax, X. S., and in the Province of New Brunswicli. 

[Advertised ix the Independent Chronicle, Aug. 19, 1779.] 

To Be Sold. 

<' That pleasant and Agreeable Situated Mansion House formerly occu- 
pied by M'" John Box, deed, laying on George Street (now Hancock) West 
Boston Northward of Beacon Hill with the gardens 91 feet deep and 71 feejb 
wide also the following buildings &c. viz. One small tenement near said 
Mansion House one large Brick store with a good cellar and a lot of land to 
the same 45 feet fronting on George Street and 91 feet deep. Seven house 
lots of land fronting on the same line each measuring 40 by 91 feet. For 
terms apply to Benj-^ Austix Esq." 

There was a small cabin in the rear which was occupied by the negro 
slaves, Tom, Hamilton and London. The site of the Box estate is now 
occupied by the State House. 

Extracts from Deeds ix Suffolk Registry. 

'' I, Lydia Box of Boston, widow of John Box, Ropemaker, in consider- 
ation of 10* money by me received of Jon^ Loring Austin and Benj. Austin, 
Jr., both mei'chants of Boston and for other valuable considerations do 
hereby grant, release and quit claim unto said *' men" all my estate, right, 
title and interest of and in that parcel of land situated and being at the 
westerly part of Boston together with the dwelling houses and all other 
buildings thereon, it being bounded and measuring as follows Westerl}'^ on 
George Street 464 ft. 6 in. northerly on land of the heirs of John Spooner 
91 ft. easterly on a passageway 371 ft. northerly again partly on said 
passageway and partly on land of Jos'^ Ridgway 42 ft. easterly again on 
land of Thos. Hudson .55 ft. southerly on Beacon Hill 115 ft. 9 in. easterly 
again on Beacon Hill 24 ft. 8 in. and southerly on land of the heirs of Capt. 
John Henderson as also all my right &c in the piece of land of 24 ft. front- 
ing on George Street and measuring 270 ft. which my late husband John 
Box and Benj. Austin purchased of Benj. Harrod and formerly improved as 
a Rope- walk. Also another piece of land 120 ft. long and 89 ft. wide which 
my said husband and said Austin formerly improved for a yard and tar 
house. All of which pieces of land are particularly described in a Deed 
this day executed by the said Austin and m}^ children John Box, Lydia and 
William Hoskins, and my daughter Mary Box to the said Jona. Loring 
Austin and Benj. A. Jr. 

Before me Belcher Noyes, J. P. 
Oct. 16, 1783." 



BOX FAMILY. 219 



The deed referred to gives boundaries of rope-walk as follows: 

''Easterly on George (Hancock) Street, 2-1 ft. : southerly on land cf tlic 
heirs of John Box and is a part of the 44 ft. purchased by the late company of 
the heirs of Elisha Cook viz. Benj. Ilarrod and his wife, measuring 270 ft.; 
westerly on land of Jeremiah Wheelwright 24 ft. and northerly on (lanlcn 
Street measuring thence in a straight line to George Street 270 ft. also 
another parcel of land at said westerly part of Boston bounded as follows: 
northerly on May Street, so called, 120 ft. 2 in. westerly on a lot of land of 
the heirs of Jeremiah Allen Esq. 89 ft. southerly on a piece of laiul formerly 
leased of Jeremiah AVheelwright and improved for a ropewalk by the late 
Co. of Box & Austin there measuring 120 ft., easterly fronting (iarden Street 
and running northerly to May Street 88 ft. 2 in." 

Mrs. Box returned to the Story Homestead after the sale of the I'.eafon 
Hill residence. Her husband being dead, she gave up her large pew in the 
gallery and bought pew No. 18, down stairs, which is at the right hand aisle 
as one enters King's Chapel. Sundry of her descendants have found pleasure 
in attending service at the Chapel (which is now Unitarian) and occupying 
Lydia's pew. The interior of the Chapel is very quaint and suggestive of 
the past. The records give : 

" Prior to the Evacuation of Boston by the British persons occupied the 
following pews who did not depart ,— In the South Aisle, No. 17, John Box 
Jr. — No. 18. Mrs. Lydia widow of Major Box." 

There were no services during the war, and the Box family then 
attended Trinity Church. 

Tradition says that our ancestress was strongly British in her sympa- 
thies, but on account of the high esteem enjoyed by her late husband, John 
Box, she was not molested. For some years she was unable to attend church 
on account of the infirmity incident to age. She objected strongly to the 
change in the liturgy of King's Chapel, with the natural conservatism of 
age. Her daughter Mary remained single and cared for her mother, who 
died Mar. 9th, 1788, aged 70 years, and was buried from Trinity Church, 
Mar. 12th. 

Extract from Will of Lvdia Box. 
[See Suffolk Probate, Book 87.] 

'' Item. I give and Bequeath unto my Daughter Mary Box as she has 
been with me since m}' Husband's Decease and taken Great Care of me, all 
the Residue and Remainder of my Estate both Real and Personal with my 
Plate and gold watch and seal, likewise the front end of my House in 
Cambridge Street and my pew in y*" Kings Chappie Church to be holden by 
her, her Heirs and Assigns forever, and I do hereby nominate and appoint 
my said Daughter to be Sole Executrix of this my Last Will and Testament 



220 PART ir. 



hereby Revoking making null and void all former and other Wills by me 
Heretofore made Declaring this and no Other to be my Last Will and 
Testament. 

" In Witness whereof I hereunto set my Hand and Seal the twenty third 
day of February Anno Domini one thousand seven hundred and eighty four. 

signed & sealed. Lydia Box. 

" Published and Declared by the said 
Lydia Box in presence of us : 

Nath'- Hexchmax, sworn. 
jMargaret Hexchmax, absent. 
Pexelope Pelham, sworn." 

This Will was presented for Probate, Mar. 25, 1788. Appraisers 
appointed, Jacob Cooper, Charles Williams and Job Prince. The Inventory 
amounted to £134 : 16 : 1, and includes : 

"13 pictures 4 old portraits 

1 crow colored paduasoy gown 3 gold rings 

1 mantua silk gow^n gold Sleeve Buttons 



3 silk frowns Black Silk Gloves 

Black sattin cloak Gold and silver glasses 

Silver Shoe Buckles Bible & Prayer-book and other books 

Half a house on Cambridge Street" 

The Box Bible is in Stougliton. (See John Bronsdon's Pamily.) 
An old-fashioned pin set with pearls and marked L. S. (Lydia Story) 
has been preserved by one of Lydia Box's descendants. Mrs. Waitt has a 
chair of Lydia's. Jacob Cooper, one of the Appraisers, was a cousin to 
Mrs. Box. 



(B 3) Elizabeth Box^ (John^). 
m. Capt. Bant Bkoxsdox, Sen. 

Elizabeth Box was the oldest child of John and Lydia (Story) Box,. 
and was b. about 1733-4 (?) ; m. 1750. Elizabeth's marriage to Bant 
Broxsdox — see No. (196) in .Bronsdon Genealogy, Part First of this volume 
— • is proved by the Will of her father, John Box, even did not positive knowl- 
edge of it exist in the Bronsdon family. Their first child's birth gives 
approximately the date of their marriage. These records were preserved in 
the Bronsdon family, but were lost about fifty years ago. Capt. Bant 
Bronsdon, the husband of Elizabeth Box, died while absent on a voyage, 
according to the family tradition, before 1774 (about 1765), and Elizabeth 
died before 1790. She resided near her father in a house belonging to the 
Box estate on Beacon Hill. Her name appears with her husband in Suffolk 
Deeds, book 88, leaf 19-20. 



BOX FAMILY. JJl 



Their Children were : 

(B 11) i. John Box^ Bronsdov, b. in Boston, May 21, ITftl ; l)ai)t. as 
"John Bnuisden" at King's Chapel, Sept. S, IT.")]; ni. Aug. 
9, 1774, JNLiss Abigail Baker of Stoughton, Mas.s., and .settled 
in Milton, Mass., where he d. Feb. 2'2, l<S2y, and she d. dune 
18, 1827. He served in the Revolutionary War in defence 
of the seacoast, and at Dorchester Heights. II.- Iiad twelve 
children. (See p. 100.) 

(B 12) ii. Sarah Bant^ Bronadon, b. , 1753; ui. April, 1777. Capt. 

SamiTel Curtis of Boston. They res. on Pitts Street, Boston, 
where he d. about 1800 and Mrs. Curtis d. 182G, and is bur. 
at Copp's Hill ; survived by two grandchildren named 
Brooks. (See p. 98.) 

(B 13) iii. Rebecca^ Bronsdon, bapt. at King's Chapel, April 30, 17."*.1; 
m. by Rev. Peter Thatcher, Sept. 20, 1787, Joseph Dennis, 
a sea captain. They lived in Boston on Salem Street and on 
Clark Street, where Mrs. Dennis d. Oct. 14, 182(). Capt. 
Dennis d. in Milton, Mass., July 20, 1830, aged 78. They 
are bur. in the Bronsdon tomb. No. 1 "Old Ground,'' Copp's 
Hill, Boston. They left one dau., who d. single. (See p. 94.) 

(B 14) iv. Benjamin^ Bronsdon, bapt. Oct. 23, 1757, at King's Chapel; 
settled at Milton, Mass.; m. first, Jan. 15, 1786, Salley 
Kneeland of Roxbury, who d. July 4, 17',) 1 ; and m. second, 
Apr. 24, 1796, jNIartha (Patty) Farrar at Royalton, Mass. 
Benjamin Bronsdon (known as Capt. Bronsdon) d. at Milton, 
Apr. 28, 1830, and Mrs. Martha Bronsdon d. Jan. 30, 1835. 
Children, two by the first wife, three by the second. (See 
Bronsdon Gen.) Mr. Bronsdon served in defence of the sea- 
shores and at Dorchester Heights in the War of the Revolu- 
tion. (See p. 155.) 

(B 15) V. Bant^ Bronsdon, Jr., was bapt. at King's Cliapel, Jan. 30, 1760. 

He remained in Boston, and m. first, 1782, ]\Iary , 

who d. Mar. 25, 1784, aged 24 years ; m. second, Nov. 10, 
1785, Deborah Jackson. He d. at his home in Leverett 
Street, Boston, Apr. 11, 1799, and Mrs. Deborah Bronsdon 
d. June 12, 1801. Children: one by the first, seven by the 
second wife. (See p. 160.) 

(B 16) vi. mUiam^ Bronsdon, b. Feb. 11, 1761: bapt. jNFar. 10, 1762, at 
King's Chapel. He was captain of a whaling ship. He m. 
at Truro about 1786, and removed to Gerry (Phillipston), 
Worcester Co., Mass. Mrs. Ruth Bronsdon d. June 25, 1828, 
and Mr. Bronsdon d. Nov. 3, 1831, at Phillipston. Children, 
five in number. (See p. 192.) 

(B 17) vii. Elizabeth^ Bronsdon, bapt. Sept. 5, 1764; m. Sept. 29, 1781, 
Moses Archer of Boston ; lived on Adams Street. Has ^ 
descendants who have not been traced. (See p. 94.) 



222 PART II. 



(B 3) John Box^, Jr. (JohnI). 

He was b. in "Boston and bapt. at King's Chapel, Oct. 5, 1737 ; m. first, 

Lydia ; second, by Rev. Simeon Howard, Nov. 5, 1786, Deborah 

Erving, who was a relative of Mr. John Erving of Boston, and a member of 
the North Church. John Box, Jr., appears to have had several children, all 
sons and all named for himself. 

Bapt. at KiNci's Chapel. 

(B 18) 17G4 Jo/m Box^, Infant of John Box Jr. & Lydia. Sponsors, 

Frances Shaw & Eliza : Sims 
(B 19) 1765 John Box^, Infant of John Box Jr. & Lydia. Sponsors, John 

Box Jr. & Lidia Box 
(B 20) 1766 Jolin Box^, Infant of John Box Jr. & Lydia. Sponsors, John 

Box Jr. & Lidia Box 
(B 21) 1766 John Box^, Infant of John Box Jr. & Lydia. Sponsors, John 

Wheatly & Mary Jackson 
(B 22) 1767 John Box^, Infant of John Box Jr. & Lydia. Sponsors, 

Susanna Banirck & Eliz"* Leddell 
(B 23) 1768 John Box^, Infant of John Box Jr. & Lydia. Sponsors, John 

Box Jr. & Lydia Box 
(B 24) 1770 John Box^, Infant of John Box Jr. & Lydia. Sponsors, Chas. 

Wilcocks, proxy for Eich : Quince & Sarah Box 
(B 25) 1772 Joltn Box^, Infant of John Box Jr. & Lydia. Sponsors, 

Lydia Box & Sarah Box 
(B 26) 1773 John Box^, Infant of John Box Jr. & Lydia. Sponsors, John 

Box Jr. & Lydia Box. 

These are copied from King's Chapel Books. None of the children 
survived. The first wife, Lydia, died, and the melancholy procession of 
little Boxes ceased. John Box, Jr., m. second. Miss Erwin, as above, and 
there were no children. 

In his youth, 1747, John Box, Jr., attended the Boston Latin School on 
School Street. He was at first a ropemaker, later a merchant. In 1755 he 
was one of the Wardens at King's Chapel. In 1776, when King's Chapel 
was closed, John Box, Jr., went to Trinity Church with his mother and 
sisters. 

In the same year he was appointed a Clerk in the Commissary Depart- 
ment in the American army. Joseph Trumbull was Chief of Commissary 
and William Hoskins his Deputy, and in April, 1779, Mr. Hoskins made an 
application to Congress for pay due John Box (Jr.) for service rendered. 

An extract from a letter written by William S. Miller, dated June 26, 
1775, may refer to John Box, Jr. : 

" Rhode Island Camp. I have a Room that I live in, in Company with 
Co" Church, Major Shearburn, Adjutant Box & Adjutant Bradford, all in 
the same Room.'' (See Hist. Gen. Coll. Vol. 14, p. 164.) 



BOX I'A-MILV. 22^ 



He was one of the executors of the Will of his father. Jh- is said 
to have been a kind-hearted and agreeable gentleman, lie ami his wife 
Deborah were beloved by his sister Elizabeth Bronsdon's children, and when 
a widow, alone and in poor circumstances, "Aunt Debby " was cared for in 
the home of Mrs. Samuel Curtis, oldest daughter of Elizabeth (Box) and 
Capt. Bant Bronsdon. He was, like his father, an active and iironiinent 
member of the ]Masonic Order. She d. of palsy, Aug. 1<S, 1814, and Jolm 
Box, Jr., d. April, 1799, of "decay" (consumption). Thoy arc interred in 
Tomb 14, King's Chapel. 



224 PART II. 



The Descendants of Lydia, Daughter of John and Lydia (Story") 
Box, AND Wife of William Hoskins, Esq., of Boston. 

Compiled by Mrs. Eleanor II. (Iloskins) Waitt {see B 135) 
for the Bronsdon and Box Genealogy. 



(B 7) Lydia Box^ (John^). 

She was bapt. Apr. 24, 1745; d. Oct. 28, 1814; m. June 12, 1764, 
William Hoskins, bapt. Jan. 4, 1736, d. May 30, 1786. 

Children : 
(B 27) i. JoliJi^ Hoskins, bapt. King's Chapel, Apr. 17, 1765 ; d. in Boston, 

May 31, 1765. 
(B 28) ii. William^ Hoskins, Jr., bapt. King's Chapel, July 23, 1766 ; d. in 

Cuba, 1824. 
(B 29) iii. Jolm Box^ Hoskins, bapt. King's Chapel, Dec. 14, 1768 ; d. in 

Isle of France before 1824. 
(B 30) iv. Richard Quince^ Hoskins, bapt. King's Chapel, Apr. 16, 1770 ; 

d. in r>oston, July 12, 1825. 
(B 31) V. Li/dia^ Hoskins, bapt. King's Chapel, Nov. 20, 1771 ; d. in 
' Boston, 1790. 

(B 32) vi. Hannah^ Hoskins, h. 1772 ; d. 

(B 33) vii. Henry^ Hoskins, bapt. King's Chapel, Jan. 8, 1773; bur. Jan. 

29, 1774. 
(B 34) viii. Snsanna^ Hoskins, bapt. King's Chapel, Nov. 25, 1774. 
(B 35) ix. Henry^ Hoskins, b. 1776 ; d. Wiscasset, Maine, Feb., 1804. 
(B 36) X. Charlotte^ Hoskins, b. 1777. 
(B 37) xi. Sicsanna^ Hoskins, bapt. King's Chapel, Jan. 8, 1778 ; d. in 

Dedham, Mass., Dec. 18, 1863. 
(B 38) xii. Charles Chauncetf Hoskins, bapt. First Church, Nov. 7, 1779 ; 

d. in Newport, R.I., June 13, 1813. 
(B 39) xiii. zV«?ic?/^7/os7cms, bapt. First Church, June 23, 1782 ; d. in Boston, 

Sept. 20, 1785. 
(B 40) xiv. Thomas Bulfinch^ Hoskins, bapt. Second Church, Aug. 7, 1785 ; 

bur. in Boston, May 1, 1791. 



Biography. 

(B 7) Lydia Box, sixth chikl and third daughter of John and Lydia 
(Story) Box, was born in Boston in 1745. There are no records from which 
to glean knowledge of her youthful days before her marriage, but doubtless 
she received the usual education given to daughters of wealthy parents. 



BOX FAMILY. •!•> 



__•) 



Perchance she attended one of the I'iishionable boardiii<,' sdiools, or mav 
have received at home her instruction in the "arts and j,'racc's " r(.'<iiiiml to 
be taught girls at tliat time. They were never expected to go beyond the 
"three R's " in solid learning, but all the :icc(iiii|.lishments were iiccossary, 
as dancing, singing, playing upon either the hari)sichord, spinnet, or virgin- 
als, speaking French, embroidering both in silks ami crewels, making wax 
work, and painting. At an early age her " Sampler "' must liave been begun 
and weary hours spent in learning hemming, hem-stitcliing, and tlio plain 
but necessary needlework. In addition to these, she must have been taiiglit 
all the arts of the accomplished hoiisewife and the thorougli oi'dering of a 
household. All these she probably had well learned when, at the age of 
nineteen, •• in the leafy month of June," she was wedded to lier ardent and 
handsome wooer, William Hoskins, a prosperous young Boston mercliaiit, by 
the Rev. Henry Caner. No one has preserved her wedding ring, but doubt- 
less it had engraved upon its inner surface one of the following " posies " 
so common at the time : " Two Made One. lij God Alone ; " " God Decreed 
Our Unity," or " This in Love Joins Our Hearts to God Above;" no wed- 
ding ring being considered complete unless it bore one of these or similar 
mottoes. 

The new home that awaited this young couple was on Clark Sqnare, 
now North Square, in Boston, then one of the most fashionable quarters of 
the tov\'n. The house stood nearly opposite that of Paul Revere, and was a 
fitting abode for one so young and fair, being furnished with every luxury 
and comfort within the limits of the young man's fortune. Even a chaise 
was hers, built by the fashionable chaise builder, Adino Paddock. Very 
few of these quaint, uncomfortable-looking vehicles were then in P)Oston, 
only ninety-eight being in Boston in 1796. To be the proud possessor of 
one, must have been the compensation for the discomfort of riding in it. 
For one year, at least, life's eu}) of happiness was full of joy and pleasure 
for this young couple, during Avhich time the}- added many new friends to 
their already large circle. The true value of some of these — Dr. Joseph 
Warren, Dr. Thomas Bulfinch, John Hancock, John Rowe. .Mr. Josepli 
Barren, Mr. Thomas Boylston, Joseph Green, Esq., and William Story, with 
others — was proved to them when the days of trouble came. These began 
in 1765, and arose like a thunder-cloud in a clear sky. The first was the 
loss of their infant son and first-born child, John, who only blessed them 
with his presence one short month ; the second, the loss of their fortune. 
Bravely did this little woman bear her trials, surrendering her fondly cared 
for possessions to satisfy the creditors of the husband whose heavy failure 
was brought upon him by the misfortunes of others. Their home remained 
to them, and here they dwelt until the stormy days of the Revolution burst 
upon the country and Boston was besieged. Then, with their six children 



\^ 



226 PART II. 

and Mrs. Box, they fled to one of the surrounding towns. The devoted 
husband at once entered the service of his country. After the evacuation 
of Boston, March 17, 1776, came the first long parting of this fondly 
attached couple, the husband going with the Army to Kew York. In the 
following September Lydia goes on to Stamford, Conn., where she received 
many short visits from her husband, who flew to see her at every oppor- 
tunity that offered. Separation seems to have been the one thing these 
married lovers could not endure. During this time the children remained 
" in the country,'' under the care of their Grandmother Box. The next 
month, October, Lydia is again settled in Boston, but not in the old home, 
the husband having previously ''written his friend Mr. Webb"' (probably 
Joseph Webb) '•' to Hire a Genteel and Convenient House for him, and 
Collect his furniture, scattered about among his different friends, and assist 
his little family to enter it from the Country." This house must have been 
in the vicinity of the present Court and Hanover Streets, as her husband's 
letters are addressed "to Mrs. Lydia Hoskins, near Concert Hall," this 
building standing upon the corner of those streets. In March, 1777, she 
makes her husband another visit, this time in Hartford, probably remaining 
there through the Summer, as there is a break in the letters of that length 
of time. Her home still continued near Concert Hall, and in that house 
four of her children were born, Henry, Charlotte, Susanna and Charles 
Chauncey, who was named for Boston's then celebrated divine. In 1779 
William Hoskins retires from his military service and returns to Boston, 
and later is employed by his former friend and protector, John Hancock, by 
whom he is sent to England in 1783 as Hancock's trusted agent. In that 
year the husband is again enabled to purchase a home for his family. This 
was in Creek Square, and stood near the block of brick houses built by Gov. 
Hancock after the war. In this house their last child, Thomas Bulfinch, 
was born on August 7, 1785. In the early part of that year the husband 
again leaves his dear wife and journeys to Philadelphia, in regard to his 
claim for services against the Government. His last letter from there is 
dated April 26, 1785. 

From these letters to his wife, which breathe the most ardent devotion, 
and are so full of anxious solicitations in regard to her health and personal 
welfare, has been gleaned a great part of the knowledge of the life of Lydia 
and her family during the years between 1776 and 1786. It is easy to 
perceive that even the distance that separated these two, did not interrupt 
the ever watchful care and attention of the husband to the most trivial 
details of the household in Boston. He is constantly sending to her, at 
every opportunity, flour, pork, wine, "bier," ham and tea, and advising her 
where to procure such other articles as she may find necessary. To his 
children he sends clothes, shoes, books and toys, with " buckels " for the 



m)X FAMILY. O.J7 



boys' knee breeches and slines. Indeed, nothing,' seems too slight a matter 
for him to care for, if it is lor lior comfort and cimvenience. (Copies of a 
few of these letters will be found at the end of this slight sketch of their 
lives.) 

The reunion of this family, once more in their own liome, is but of 
short duration. "The King of Terrors" (to whom the husband refers in 
one of his letters) "makes the Breach," and this loving husl)and ami devoted 
father is "taken home," in the prime of his life, on iMay oO, ITSC, he being 
then Init hfty years old. During their twenty years of wedded hai)piness, 
fourteen children were born; of these, eight lived to reach maturity, and 
the descendants from six of them are many at the present time (1 *)(»]); 
some in France, also, probably, in the Isle of France (Mauritius), and in 
thirteen, at least, of the United States. Left a widow at forty, with nine 
children and "but a small remnant of their early fortune," Lydia's outlook 
for the future seemed dark indeed ; but as " each cloud has its silver lining," 
so the faithful friends of her youth lightened her heavy burden, Mr. Con- 
merais and Mr. Joseph Barrell taking the two elder sons. Each strove to 
fill, by their tender care, the place of a father. Nevertheless, much trouble, 
sorrow and suffering were endured by her, as this (luotation from a letter of 
hers will explain: "On the 30*" of May 1786 the friend and partner of my 
life expired, leaving me nine children, the eldest twenty years old, the 
youngest nine months onl}-, and but a scanty subsistence for them. By the 
assistance of the Great Euler of the Universe and Events, Avho heard my 
prayers and petitions, who received the offerings of a weeping mother, and 
remnant of a dying father. It was He who encouraged my industry and 
gave me assistance from earthly friends. Joined to the scanty interest of 
my husband's property, I broiight the major part of my family to mature 
age." As soon as her two eldest sons were able, they settled upon their 
"good mother" an annuity. Until 1799 Lydia remained in Boston; "then 
being sick, dejected, and viewing my circumstances desperate, also being 
urged and advised by my old friends Dr. Bullinch and Thomas Bemberton. 
and youngest son Charles, to go to board, the latter obtained a place for me 
in the country (Dedham) from which my expenses were diminished and I 
was enabled in time to pay those just debts I was obliged to contract.'' Her 
youngest daughter (Susanna) went with her, and together they resided there 
until 1804. At that time her youngest son, Charles Chauncey Hoskins, 
returned from a three years' sojourn in Europe, and decided that it was liis 
duty to support and care for his mother's declining years. Again turning 
to this letter of hers to John Winslow, James Robinson and Jesse Putnam. 
Esquires, in which she relates so much of the trials of her life in her own 
quaint way, we find the following account of the result of that decision : 
" About this time (1804) my youngest son returned from sea and found uie 



228 PART II, 



involved in difficulties and distress, and in the bloom of youth he sacrificed 
the brilliant prospects before him, gave over the idea of returning to Europe, 
to the arms of his elder brother, his patron and father by adoption. He 
dispersed the storms arising around the hoary head of his aged mother, 
though much to his injury do I say it, yet, for my happiness he fixed his 
abode at Xewport, where, with him and his amiable spouse, I enjoyed peace, 
happiness and tranquility." In 1810, for some unknown reason, she left 
the home of this son, who had done so much for his beloved mother, and 
went to Dedham, to the home of her daughter Susanna, wife of Reuben 
Guild of that town, and remained with her during the rest of her life. 

In the Autumn of 1814 Lydia was seized with typhoid fever, the force 
of which her enfeebled frame was not able to withstand, and on October 
28th she rejoined her beloved husband, for whom she had sincerely mourned 
twenty-eight years. She was the last of the children of John and Lydia 
Box. Her body was placed beside that of her husband in the Box tomb 
under King's Chapel. She left no Will, and two years after her death Mr. 
Theron Metcalf of Dedham was appointed her administrator, who, to settle 
the estate, caused all of her effects to be sold at auction. In the Records of 
the Probate Court at Dedham can be found her Inventory and also a list of 
the articles sold, with the names of the purchasers. 

Portraits of William and Lydia Hoskins are in the possession of one of 
their great-grandchildren, Thomas Henry Hoskins, IVI.D., of Derby, Vermont. 
These were given to him by their grandson, William Hoskins Guild, the son 
of their daughter Susanna. The artist is unknown and the pictures are 
unfinished. From out one frame the fair face of Lydia in her youth shines 
forth. Her chestnut hair is drawn back from her face, arranged slightly 
a la Pompadour over a high forehead, underneath whose brows shine dark 
blue eyes. The face is inclined to oval, the nose straight, and the mouth 
sweet but firm. Around her slender throat are wound strings of pearls, the 
same jewels, in pear shape, depending from her small ears. Evidently the 
artist intended to have white drapery arranged about her sloping shoulders, 
but ceased his work at this point, only roughly sketching it in. From out 
the other frame looks the noble and handsome face of her devoted husband. 
His stalwart shoulders support a finely shaped head crowned with dark 
brown hair, which is brushed smoothly back from a broad forehead, with 
arching black eyebrows, from under which look forth large, soft, dark brown 
eyes. The face is clean shaven, showing the beautiful mouth with its firm 
chin, and above them a long, finely-formed nose. A coat of Continental blue 
with brass buttons, with high waistcoat of the same blue, and brass biittons, 
each having a narrow standing collar; over these are turned a narrow band 
of white linen with a black stock, comprises his attire. Nobility and purity 
of character are shown in every lineament of his face, and reveal the fine 
spirit of this man who sacrificed so much for his country. 



BOX FAMILY. J-jy 



To her daughter Susanna, Lydia left one ol' Iht most valued possessions, 
a miniature of Washington. This became the j.ruperty of Susanna's only 
son and child, and is now owned l)y iMr. Charles lloskins (iuild of Sau 
Francisco, Cal. It is not known in what manner it came into the family. 
Mr. Guild writes in regard to it : - 1 have no idea how it came into the 
possession of the family. 1 have a paper dated Boston, J)ec. 17, ISAi), 
signed by my father, Wm. lloskins Guild, Sr.. and attested by Itembrandt 
Teale, which says that the miniature of Gen. Washington is j.robably a copy 
by Col. Trumbull of the portrait by Levi Peale painted in ITTC." The 
Guild family also inherited Lydia's diamond ring, a few pieces of jewelry 
and mahogany furniture, a glass tumbler or Hagon. ainl a pair of .scissors 
which were bought in at the auction for three dollars .' The miniature lias 
had its adventures, as the following notices, taken from a paper of ITSC, 
bear witness : 

Four Dollaks Kkward ! 

Stolen from the house of the subscriber of Friday the IG"' inst between 
the hours of four and nine P. ]\I. A Miniature Picture of the Illustrious 
General Washington set in gold a pair of Silver Shoe P.uckels, marked L.l'.. 
(square) two Stone Kings and a number of Small articles. Whoever will 
give information of the Theif or Theives that they may be brought to Justice 
and the Articles recovered shall be entitled to the Above Reward. 

LvorA llosKixo. 

Sentence of the Supreme Judicial Coukt, 
Sept. 23, 1780. 

Mary Stone to pay Lydia Hoskins 13 pounds 4 shillings, pay a fine of 
20 shillings to the uses of the Commonwealth, pay costs, stand committed 
etc. If unable to pay 13 pounds, 4 shillings, to be sold for two years. 

In the year 1800 ^Nlary Box, sister of Lydia lloskins, died, and her 
property, amounting to $1(300, was equall}^ divided between lier (]\Iary's) 
surviving sisters, jNIrs. Hoskins and Mrs. Davis. 

In the possession of one of the great-grand-daughters of Lydia is a 
mahogany chair, only fourteen inches high, in wliich, tradition saith, this 
little mother nursed and tended all her children. Its shape is like that of 
the chairs of that period, square in back and in seat, Avith the centre piece 
of the back carved. On the cushion of its seat, before it came into tlie 
present possessor's ownership, was a worked canvas cover, done by her own 
fair hands. Would that some scrap but remained, that a coj)y could be 
worked from it. 

Of necessity, this story of the life of Lydia Hoskins is but fragment- 
ary ; but it is hoped that sufficient can be gleaned from its perusal to give 
her descendants the material with which to fashion a mental picture of 
herself, her life, and her surroundings, and may all who can trace their 



230 PAKT II. 



lineage to her, copy her in all those traits of character that have endeared 
her to us, and caused us to reverence more and more the women who were 
the mothers of our country. 



Extracts from a few of the letters of William Hoskins to his wife: 

New York, 8'* Sejjr., 177G. 
My Dear Lijdla. 

I wrote you two letters which I hope you have received, 
as they will inform yoii how much Impossible, to my grief I could not have 
the hajipiness of setting out to see you, it gives me great Concern — however 
I am determined at the Close of this week to come, be the Consequence 
what it may. I am glad you hnd a convenient Lodging, take great Care of 
yourself, dont take too much of the Evening Air, as at best you are of a 
Slender Constitution. When we shall depart for King's Bridge I know not, 
this I know, that so long as any Troops are in the City I must Continue 
and I am Sure they will Continue until 1 the City is Bombarded, then we 
may retreat to the upper part of this Town .... I shall take care 
of myself for j^our sake and I hope you in return will do the same for my 

sake Had I have known that the City would have been held, 

I would not have parted with you. But it was from my Tender Regard for 
your Safety, this you must be well assured of and that no other motive 
could have prompted me to submit to a Solitary Life, one day to me is now 
like a whole week. I hope I shall see the time when there will be no more 

Parting of us untill Death shall divide I believe I have wrote 

sufficient for Sunday morning therefore conclude myself as I ever desire to. 
Your most Tender and Very Affectionate Husband 

W Hoskins, Addressed to 

P. S. I send you two bottles Mrs. Lydia Hoskins, at Stanford 

of Strong bier. To be left at Mrs. Farris's next Pitch's Tavern. 



New York, ScpV. 10, 1776. 
My Dear Lydia. 

I have just received from Johny (John Box, Jr.) pr young 
Storey a Handkerchief containing two Shirts and two Stocks. Johny 
Informs me this week you intend for King's Bridge. I desire no such Stop- 
ages among a Body of Soldiers. But if you come that you proceed imme- 
diately for the City. Bring my Watch Coat a little Tea for yourself while 
you Tarry, some Stockings for me, linnen sufficient for yourself and Secure 
the Lodgings against your return. It is very probable I may return with 
you, as every Day looks more gloomy. You would be Surprised to see the 
City now. Most Every Inhabitant has left it. But when you are in it I 
may not be so Dull. I would have you proceed as far as within Twenty 
miles of the City first day, and lodge at the Tavern where we lodged at, get 



BOX FAMILY. 231 



the Landlady to admit one of the Maids of the House to Lodge in tlie Room 
for Company, then rise Early next morning, proceed to tlie City, which you 

may obtain by Dinner Time Give orders if anvlliinj,' should 

Happen in your absence that the things you leave l'.ehind be 'I'ransportcd 
to some Safe Place. Take an Inventory of ^hat you leave liehiiid. I am 
INIy Dear Your Ever Loving and IMost Affectionate Husband. 

W^' llc.SKINS. 

Order a 15ox Trunk or Chest to be made, put up all the things you have, 
or rather leave Directions with Mrs. Farris to do it for yon in your absence. 
Notwithstanding what I have Wrote about your Coming, if you ai)preliend 
any danger you may go to Fairfield and apply to the KeV Mr. ElHot, Late 
of Boston who will, or may, accommodate you with part of his House. 

Addressed To Mrs Lydia Hoski.ns, at Stanford 
To be left at Mrs Farris Next to Fitch's Tavern. 



New Yokk, Sept, 13, ITTC 
Mt/ Dear Lydia. 

I desire that you will not by no means set out for this place 
by reason of a Battle Daily Expected. 

I am Your Tender Husband 

W HOSKINS. 

Addressed same as before. 



Congress Bridge, New York, Oct. lo, 1770 
lionor\l Farent. 

I wrote you pr Mr Palfrey, Since Avhich I have nothing 
very particularly to Avrite you. I design for Boston please God, in about 
four or five weeks. I wrote Mr. Webb to Hire a Convenient House for me 
and Colect my furniture and assist my little family to Enter it from the 
Country on Condition the Pox is Warned from Your Town, which hope is 
by this, as my stay on my arrival Cannot Exceed four Days. Should be 
obliged after he has procured me a Genteel House tit for my Wife and family 
you will see that all things are Conveniently orderd. 1 have wrote Mr. 
Pierce on the Subject of restoring my furniture lent him. Into Mr. Webb's 
hands, to be deposited in the House. My Wife is well and in a Reputable 
family nine miles from hence and I have always, since her taking board 
there, been happy in seeing her Each Night. But at this time my Worthy 
Friend the Commissary General has taken a Tour to Connecticutt and 
Constituted me in his stead during his Absence which upon Rules of Duty 
I am to obey orders Issuing from Head Quarters, that prevent my visiting 
her as usual. I Hope in God I shall see You the time I Before mentioned. 
My love to Polly (Mary Box), Mrs. Carnes, Mr. & Mrs. Gaines. Believe me 
to be Most Unfeindly Your Dutifull Son 

W" HOSKIN.S 

p. S. I suppose as Johny (John l>ox, Jr.) has abundance of leisure lie 

writes you often. 

Addressed to ]\[rs. Lydia Box at Boston 
Near Rev*^ Dr. Howard's Meeting House. 



232 PART II. 



Hartford, Fehy 11"' 1777. 
My Dear Lydia. 

I presume yesterday was your day of Tryal. I Could wish 
from the sincerity of my Soul I was with you But private Interest, Affection 
& Concern may give way to Public duty's, let them be ever so sacred. I 
wrote you of the 9*'' this month under Cover of a letter to Messrs Williams 
& Bell and near of this time Expect you have the perusal or Read to you. 
I desired them Gentlemen to furnish the family with some London porter 
& Malaga Wine, But whatever you may occasion send them a line to furnish 
you. I desired they would procure you a Large pease Ladle & one dozen 
of Table Spoons & hope j'ou will be furnished from them of those family 
Necessary s. Col". Trumbull sets out for Boston about this day from 
Lebanon. I shall write that Gentleman Soon, if you are so ill as not to 
attend a visit I pray your directions to Mrs. Wallis that She Entertains him 
Consistent with his Caracter. you w^ll put master Bill to his pen & paper 
and Dictate a letter to me at least once a Week. I am Very Affectionately 
Your Tender Husband. W" Hoskins. 



Angt 1st 1777 
My Dear Lydia. 

This morning p Post I was favored with your refreshing 
letter. . . . As to my Coming Home I have drawn up a plan which I 
believe will answer (if affected) you may see me rather sooner that at present 
you Expect. You know I am pretty Flustery and my Love to you is so 
Rivited that Barrs & hardly the barriers of the Grave would keep me from 
you long. ... I send you Cloth for the Boys Coats by the Next Con- 
veyance. Remember my Love to Mrs Wallace acquaint her it was not for 
want of pure affection I did not take a Cordial leave of her. When I beheld 
yoii filled with the greatest anxiety at our departure, it was Enough to fill 
any heart that regards a Tender Wife, but I dare not think more. Keep 
yourself pure. Let your Love and Virtue manifest a proof of the marraidge 
Covenant Shortly we shall Embrace & by the blessings of Heaven never 
more to part untill the King of Terrors shall make the Breach. Consolate 
yourself with the Offsprings God has graciously given you, with an adition 
at suitable times to Heaven, which will be time well spent & procure the 
direction of our Great Master thro this transitory state. My Love awaits 
the Children. Let me hear from you Every Post as it is all the Comfort I 
can at present ex])ect or Enjoy from you (Hard Eate). I am with every 
expression of Tenderness and Love Your Affectionate Husband 

W" HOSKINS. 

p. S. Johny will leave my chaise, but I would have him keep at our house 
until he hears from me. You Avill take a turn round the Square with him 
and Harry as long as he stays, dont take the evening air. 

Addressed Mrs. Lydia Hoskins Boston. Care of Mr. BeU. 



BOX FAMILY. 033 

HAKTKnlM) Ainit L' I 1777 

Ml/ Most Bear Lijdla. 

Your letters this day I received ackii()wledj,'in<,' mine to you 
tlie last post. I am liai)py in lioaring you are well as also tlie faniilv. J 
have sent you 1250 Dollors (Inclosed) pr the I'ost as to tlie Pork cS: Flour 
you shall soon have it. Silvia's Conduct will induce me to take measures 
tliat Avill render her servitude more lasting than I intended, not in my 
family. I shall return in about Sixteen Days. :\ry preparitions for you 
upon another visit to this Jewell place and all other things must he Referred 

untill the Blessed day of your Company \ am mv Dear witli 

undisguised Truth Your Tender & Affectionate HusV)aiul 

\V^' 1 Ins KINS. 

p. S. Twelve Hundred Dollars on Interest 

aud Fifty Square Dollars for your further Support. 

Addressed To Mrs Lydia Hoskins, Boston, P Post. 

The slave Sylvia mentioned in this letter lived in the Hoskins, Box and 
Bronsdon families until her death; thus the threat to dispose of her was 
never carried out. She married another slave, Jerry Derrie. In 1814 she 
received her freedom. She died in Milton, where she and her husband were 
caretakers upon the Curtis mansion. They had a daughter, Sylvie, wlio 
lived Avith John Box, Jr., and after his death went as the maid of his widow 
to the Curtis home. She lived with different members of the family until 
her death in Milton, at the age of forty-four. 



PjiiLADELriUA lU"' March. 177'.». 
My Dear Lydia. 

I am Richly happy in Receiving your Dear Letter from the 
office this day under the 21"'' February. I almost dispaird hereing from 
you. You hope I dont make my Tarry to ]\Iay. be assured it is far from 
a pleasure to be absent so Long but I find it necessary to attend and accom- 
plish the business I Came here Upon. Congress yesterday ai)i)ointed a 
Committee to Act & Determine Upon my affairs. I suppose their Report 
will soon be made, that I must Settle and Close all accounts on our Line, 
therefore it will be necessary to Attend the Settlement in tliis State before 
I proceed to the Eastward. I have purchased a Silver Chain for your Sizers 
& another for a pin Cushing which I shall send you by the first good oppor- 
tunity. As it is out of my power at present to send \o\\ a load of flour Let 
Billy call on Mr. Thomas to purchase and send what you may want for our 
Family Use. I have been very low in Spirits Since I left you but receiving 
your Letter I can pronounce myself now perfectly well. I had the honour 
to be cS: dine with our Massach'* Delegates from whom I received and was 
Entertained becoming their Great Caraeters with kindness. I shall imjjrove 
the next opportunity & write you more clear and explicit about my affairs. 
Our sons Johny and Billy's Letters I have Received & shall answer them at 



234 PART II. 



Leisure. My love to them, a Token or Conformation of Wliich shall be 
signified soon if I can find an article in this City suitable to their Taste. 

I am Very Tenderly Your Affectionate Husband, 

W" HOSKINS. 

You must excuse the incorrectnes of this as I am in a hurry, l)ad pen and 
Droutrht of Ink. Addressed 

To Mrs Lydia Hoskins, Near Concert Hall, Boston. 



pr Express. 



Philadelphia, Marcli 15, 1779. 



My Dear Wife. 

I wrote you a few days since acknowledging j'our favours, 
since which I have made no further j^rogress in favour of my affairs which 
now lay before Congress, tho' I hope in my next to be able to inform you, 
as also, when 'tis likely I may leave this very disagreable City for my ISJ^ative 
home & dear family. It is truly surprising that every necessary of life 
cannot be obtained for rather more than as much again in this place as they 
are sold at Boston, the piper currency is daily depreciating and I fear, if 
the War Continues one Year longer Avhether it will purchase anything, 
unless Authority adopts methods to retrieve it Credit. We have a flying 
report the Enemy are about leaving New York, but as Reports are so 
Common I can hardly Credit anything. I shall write you by all opportuni- 
ties. My love to the family. Believe me to be your Constant and Faithful! 
Husband W" Hoskins. 

Addressed To Mrs Lydia Hoskins near Concert Hall, Boston, pr Express. 

Philadelphia April 13, 1779. 
Mtj Dear Lydia. 

I wrote you two letters the last week & tlien desired you 
would not write me again as I expect to Sett off for Boston at least in Ten 
Days. I had the pleasure of your favours last Evening by Post, also one 
from Son Jack and your brother Johnny. I am making application for his 
Wages for public service and will do what is in my power to get it. The 
Reason of my long stay here is owing to matters of much more importance 
before Congress than my affairs. My love to the family and all friends, 
with Duty to Mother. I am Your Very Tender and Affectionate Husband 

W" Hoskins. 

Addressed To Mrs Lydia Hoskins, Kear Concert Hall, Boston, pr Express. 

New York, April 2"^ 1785. 
31 ij Dear. 

This acknowledges your letter by post Importing your health 
& our family. I Confess it gave me much pleasure. I am now making 
some advances towards settlement of my affairs but the Connections of them 
will lead me to Philad** the next week from whence you will hear from me. 



BOX FAMILY. ^^f) 



I would not have you write me again, as 1 may gu bcvoiul I'liiP' and tlicy 
miss me, though I am yet Undetermined. I ^have Jmdosed to Jack two 
small gold rings, a Watch for him delivered Mr. !'\iycrscrvice Care also 
some of my old linnen as by list below, which 1 have no manner occa.sion 
for & may serve the Boys. I shall again write I'nder Cover to His Excel- 
lency (Gov. Hancock). If T should meet with anything deserving your 
Acceptance when at Phil" I shall purchase it. This City is made up of a 
miserable set of parsimonious Wretches which I am sick of as well as tlie 
place itself. My Love to all our Connections. 1 am my Hear Wife Your 
Tender Husband \V" Hoskins. 

Addressed To Mrs Lydia Hoskfns, Boston. 

To be left at Mr. Sever's Store near the State House. 



New Yokk, 26^" J/.r// ITSr,. 
Ill/ Dear Wife. 

Your Letter of the 30'" of March I took from the post office 
yesterday and am glad to hear from you and that the Children are well. I 
long to see you and hope to leave this City for that purpose in about a fort- 
night. My affairs are not yet settled and believe I shall be obliged to leave 
them in Care of a friends haiul. I sent to the care of Mr. Welch (the miller) 
Ten Bottles of the Best Hyson Tea, from Fhilad'^ pr (-apt Hinkley, 7 pound 
and 3 half pound nice bottles. I also sent pr j\[r. Welch a wire machine 
which I suppose he has got. you will send for the Tea and use it. you 
speak of the want of money, you must remember, I desired when yon 
wanted you would send to His Excellency for Some on account of the 

Ballance due to me. I know you might have it for sending 

I dont Expect above one Opportunity more of writing before I leave this. 
In the meantime you Avill follow my Rule, Exercise I'atience and IJelieve 
me Your FaithfiiU and Very Affectionate Husband 

W" HOSKINS. 

Addressed To Mrs Lydia Hoskins, Boston. 

This is the last of the thirty-nine letters of William Hoskins to liis 
family of which the compiler has any knowledge. Could their replies be 
found, how much of the family history comprised in them might be revealed 
to the descendants of these most deeply attached ancestors. 



(B 28) ^VILLIAM^ Hoskins, Ji;. (Lvoia-. JohnM. 

He was bapt. July 23, 176(5: (1. in Cuba, , 1824; m. 

1796, of Bordeaux, France. 

Children : 
(B 41) i. John* Hosh'nis. 
(B 42) ii. Aurora'^ Hoskins. 
(B 43) iii. Caroline* Hoskins. 
(B 44) iv. Laura* Hoskins. 



236 PART II. 



Biography. 

William Hoskins, Jr., was the eldest sou of William and Lydia Hoskins 
and was born in the house in Clark Square, Boston. He was educated at 
the best schools of the town, as in his father's letters to his mother mention 
is particularly made about " Master Bill's schooling." The father's watchful 
care extended over both wife and children. Very few of his letters but 
contain some allusion to " Billy and Johnnie " and plans for their welfare. 
It is inferred that, before his father's death, he was employed by him, 
immediately after he entered the counting-house of Mr. Connerais and soon 
became his partner, the firm being Connerais & Hoskins, Merchants, Long 
Wharf. In 1795 William Hoskins went to France, and presumably the 
partnership was dissolved, as another is formed that same year in Bordeaux, 
France, with a Mr. Grey, the firm being Grey & Hoskins. In 1796 his 
brother, Richard Quince Hoskins, writes to an uncle "that his brother 
William is married to a French Lady." At the close of the 18th or com- 
mencement of the 19th century he comes to Boston to arrange his mother's 
business affairs. When these are completed he again sails for France, but 
not before he had settled an annuity upon her, that he may feel sure she is 
properly cared for. If he visited her again before her death, it is doubtful. 
No record of his wife or family is known to be in existence in America, 
although they are said to have corresponded with their aunt, Mrs. Reuben 
Guild, and her descendants may be able to give the desired information. 
At one time he invested a small part of the remains of his father's property 
in the Ohio Land Company, formed by Rufus Putnam, and a town bearing 
the name of Hoskins vi lie is situated upon a part of that land. For whom 
the town is named is not known. In 1824 William Hoskins sailed from 
Bordeaux to Cuba to attend to the affairs of his plantations upon that island. 
Here he contracted a fever and died. Tradition says that his son John 
came to America and settled in New Orleans, La., but nothing is really 
known in regard to any member of his family. 



(B 39) John Box^ Hoskins (Lydia^, John^). 

He was bapt. Dec. 14, 1768; d. before 1824; m. second, Catherine 
Girard of Bordeaux, France, sister of Stephen Girard. First wife's name 
unknown. 

Cldldren (by first marriage) : 

(B 46) i. John Joseph^ Hoskins, b. Jan. 15, 1799 ; d. Newburyport, Mass., 

Jan. 23, 1876. 
(B 47) ii. Lydia'^ Hoskins, b. ; m. Antoine Titan. 



BOX FAMILY. 237 



KlOGKAI'IIV. 

John Box Hoskiiis was born in tlu' house in Clark S(|iiaii-. ami u\o- 
sumably attended the same scliools as his brotlin- W'illiain. In I7.S(;. alter 
the death of his father, he was forced to seek enii)loynient at once. This 
was most generously offered liim by Mr. Joseiili I5arrell, one of liis fatlier's 
firm friends since the days of the Sons of Liberty and otlicr kindii'd as.so- 
ciations, to which both belonged. Not only did i\Ir. I'.arrdl take .John P.i.x 
Hoskins into his counting-honse, but he opened for him tiie doors of his 
stately home upon Pleasant Hill. This beaiitiful home, of whicli no longer 
even a trace remains, was situated where, until a few years ago, stood the 
numerous buildings of the McLean Asylum, in Somerville, INfass. I'robably 
few homes, at the close of the 18th century, were more magnificent than 
this. Its architect was Charles lUilfinch, and it was i)ronounced an ideal 
country-seat. The house stood upon a slight elevation, one side of which 
was washed by the waves ; terraces extended around the house, adown 
which flights of stone steps led to the beautiful lawns below ; fish ponds 
filled with gold and silver fish, dove-cotes, and greenhouses in which were 
to be found the rarest plants i)rocurable, were scattered around the grounds. 
In the rear of the house were the stables, coach-houses and poultry yards, 
while upon the shore stood the boat-house from which ]\Ir. Barrell, in 
pleasant weather, was rowed over to Boston in his elegant barge by his 
liveried boatmen. Long avenues leading to the house were bordered by 
elm and poplar trees, which survived the owner and his home, shading, ere 
they were ruthlessly cut down, many of the uiduxppy inhabitants of the 
Asylum that took the place of this hospitable home. For ten years John 
Box Hoskins remained in the counting-hou.se of Mr. Barrell, who, becoming 
one of the owners of the historic ship •' Columbia," gave, on the second voyage, 
the position of ship's clerk to young Hoskins, under the command of Capt. 
Gra}-. It was on this memorable voyage that the great river of the North- 
west was discovered, and to John Box Hoskins fell the honor of assisting 
Capt. Gray to plant our flag upon its shore and giving to the river the name 
of their ship, ''Columbia.'' This ceremony concluded, they proceeded to 
place coins under the roots of a giant pine, and, in the name of the United 
States of America, took possession of that part of our country now known 
as the States of Oregon and of Washington.* 

On his return from this memorable voyage, he entered into partnershij) 
with one of Mr. Barrell's sons under the name of Barrell *S: Hoskins, Mer- 
chants, Codman's Wharf, Boston. A few years later, Avhen liis brother 
William returned to France after his visit to his mother, he went witli him, 
taking also his two children, John Joseph (whose name combined his own 

*NoTE. For a full account of this memorable voyage, .see an article by the late 
Rev. Edward U, Porter in the New England Magazine of June, 1892. 



238 PART II. 



and that of his generous benefactor) and Lydia. Of the mother of these 
two children, no,records have as yet (1901) been learned. Bordeaux seems 
to have been the home of both these brothers, though, from his letters, 
John Box must have occasionally visited Paris and other places. While in 
Bordeaux he marries, second, Catherine, daughter of Pierre Giravd and sister 
of the generous benefactor of the city of Philadelphia and founder of Girard 
College. In Girard's Will, written after the death of John Box Hoskins, 
he leaves an ''Annuity of four hundred dollars to his sister Catherine, Avidow 
of John Box Hoskins, who died in the Isle of Prance." This was where his 
daughter Lydia, who married Antoine Titan, had made her home. When 
John Box Hoskins died is not knowm, but his estate Avas administered upon 
in Boston, July 26, 1824. 



(B 46) John Joseph^ Hoskins (John Box^ Lydia^, John^). 

He was b. Jan. 15, 1799: d. Jan. 23, 1876; m. Nov. 7, 1822, Hannah 
Freeman Baker of Newburyport, b. Dec. 10, 1802, d. Dec. 7, 1879. 

Children : 
(B 48) i. Rannah^ Hoskins, b. Jan. 15, 1826. 
(B 49) ii. John Thomas^ Hoskins, b. Apr. 30, 1827. 
(B 50) iii. Joseph^ Hoskins, b. Nov. 3, 1829. 

(B 51) iv. Charles Williams^ Hoskins, b. June 23, 1831 ; d. Mar. 2, 1886. 
(B 52) V. Marij Elizabeth^ Hoskins, b. Nov. 28, 1833, 
(B 53) vi. Georgina^ Hoskins, b. Sept. 7, 1837. 
(B 54) vii. Sarah Frances^ Hoskins, b. Oct. 6, 1842. • 
(B 55) viii. Isaac Henrif Hoskins, b. Nov. 20, 1846 ; d. Feb. 22, 1854. 



(B 48) Hannah^ Hoskins (John Joseph*, John Box^, Lydia-, John^). 

She was b. Newburyport, Jan. 15, 1826; m. Nov. 4, 1847, Isaac Poor 
of Newburyport, b. Oct. 8, 1825, d. Apr. 5, 1899. 

Children : 
(B 56) i. Mart/ SpUler^ Poor, b. Feb. 6, 1849. 
(B 57) ii. Isaac^ Poor, b. Apr. 27, 1852. 



(B 56) Mary Spiller*' Poor (Hannah^, John Joseph*, John Box^ 

Lydia^, John^). 

She was b. Feb. 6, 1849; m. Apr. 10, 1867, Andrew Parker Lewis, 



b. Jan. 19, 1843. 



BOX FAMILY. 239 



Children. : 

(B 58) i. JIari/ Parker'' Lewis, b. July 1, 1807. 

(B 59) ii. A7i7ia Poor'' Lewis, b. July 1 1. 1808. 

(B 60) iii. Georgiana Frances'' Lewis, b. June 14, 1872. 

(B 61) iv. Caroline Josephine'' Lewis, b. Sept. 20, 1876: in. .hiii.- 27. IDOO. 

Zeiinie Duroy Willis, b. Dec. 25, 1877. 
(B 62) V. Isaac Poor'' Lewis, b. Mar. 12, 1879. 
(B 63) vi. LueUa'' Lewis, b. Nov. 27, 1880. 
(B 64) vii. Arthur E? Lewis, b. Jan. 28, 1883. 
(B 65) viii. Edward E? Lewis, b. lAIar. 23, 1885. 
(B Q%) ix. WUIard Busscil' Leirls. b. Nov. 28, 1892. 



(B 57) Isaac® Pock (Hannah*, John Joseph*. John F>ox', 

Lydia-, John^). 

He was b. Apr. 27, 1852 ; m. Dec. 31, 1874, Maky Speaking Gilman, 
b. Nov. 26, 1854. 

Children : 

(B 66a) i. Sarah Moochf Poor, b. Mar. 20, 1876. 
(B 67) ii. Henry Gilman' Poor, b. June 5, 1886. 



(B 50) Joseph* Hoskins (John Joseph*, John Box', Lyuia-, John'). 

He was b. Nov. 3, 1829 ; m. Feb. 21, 1867, Augusta Marden, b. Mar. 
3, 1847. 

Children :• 

(B 68) i. Charles H.^ Hoskins, b. Oct. 15, 1868 ; d. Feb. 18, 1869. 

(B 69) ii. Augusta^ Hoskins, b. Feb. 16, 1870; d. IMar. 1, 1870. 

(B 70) iii. Joseph'ine^ Hoskins, h. Oct. 1, 1871 ; d. Aug. 10, 1872. 

(B 71) iv. Elizabeth J.' Hoskins, b. May 1, 1874 ; d. Feb. 23, 1884. 



(B 53) Mary Elizabeth* Hoskins (John Joski'ii\ John liox*, 

Lydia-, John'). 

She was b. Nov. 28, 1833; m. Dec. 25, 1856, Benjauiiu F. Hamilton, 
b. Feb. 16, 1843, d. Mar. 10, 1873. 

Child : 
(B 72) i. Josephine^ Hamilton, b. Aug. 10, 1858; m. June 17, 1878, Free- 
man Hersey, b. Sept. 10, 1857. 



240 PART ir. 



Children : 

(B 73) i. Frank'' Hersey, b. May 6, 1879. 
(B 74) ii. Gertrvde' Hersey, b. Aug. IG, 1882. 



(B 54) Sakah Frances^ Hoskixs (John Joseph.^, John Box^, 

Lydia^, John^). 

She was b. Oct. 6, 1842; m. Oct. 1, 18G2, Charles Hale Collins, b. 
Sept. 8, 1834, d. May 14, 1870. 

Child : 

(B 75) i. Charlotte Hale^ Collins, b. July 29, 1864 ; m. Jan. 17, 1880, 
Walter Ross I^radbury, b. Sept. 23, 1862, and had : 

(B 76) i. Edith Boss' Bradbury, b. July 22, 1880. 
(B 77) ii. Frank Hale' Bradbury, b. Apr. 30, 1883. 
(B 78) iii. Wilbert Stewarf Bradbury, b. Dec. 13, 1884 ; 
d. Sept. 3. 1886. 



(B 30) Richard Quince^ Hoskins (Lydia^, John Box^). 

He was son of (B 7) and b. Mar. 17, 1770 ; d. July 12, 1825 ; bur. Mt. 
Auburn ; m. Mar. 15, 1801, Jane Gakdnek Knight, b. Dec. 9, 1778 ; d. Feb. 
28, 1853. 

Child : 

(B 79) i. Jane Gardner* Hoskins, b. May 2, 1802 ; d. Apr. 5, 1881 ; m. 
first. May 21, 1820, Hezekiah Hodges of Dedhani ; m. second, 
Aug. 30, 1860, Nathaniel Waterman of Boston, b. 1804, d. of 
phthisis, Feb. 3, 1866, bur. ]\lt. Auburn. 



(B 32) Hannah^ Hoskins (Lydia-, John Box^). 

She was b. , ; d. , ; m. first, James Melanen 

or McClellan ; m. second, William Bird, " cordwainer." 

Children (by first marriage) : 
(B 80) i. James* Melanen or McClellan (no further record). 

(By second marriage) : 

(B 81) ii. Ijydi(( Hoskins* Bird, b. Oct. 12, 1798; d. Aug. 17, 1869; m. 

Feb. 3, 1825, Joseph Redding. 
(B 82) iii. Elizabeth B. A} Bird, b. 1806 ; d. July 19, 1846 ; m. Oct. 30, 

1827, Henry Taylor, b. Jan. 6, 1805, d. Dec. 13, 1880. 

Children : 

(B 83) i. Sarah Elizabeth^ Taylor, b. 1828 ; d. Aug. 13, 
1855 ; m. Henry Feabody and had : 

(B 84) i. Charlotte^ Peabody, b. 1849; d. May 30, 1865. 



BOX FAMILY. Oj-] 



(B85) 11. /i ichardll.^ T(nj/or,h. IS.'.l- d. M-.ii: \ \s:x 
(B 86) 111. Da7ilel Colt' Tat/lor, b. Apr. 22, IS.'ili ; „,. M-.iy 

11, 1856, Eliza Larrabee, b. Auj,'., 1838, anil 

had four children : 

(B 87) i. I/ni)-i/ Jr.« Ta>/Ior, h. "May 6, l8r,7; ni. May 8. 
1881, Clara B. Blaisdell, b. Feb. ]*), 1S6L'. 
Their children are : 

(B 88) i. William J).' Tai/lor, b. lY-1). \}, J 882. 
(B 89) ii. Louis W.' Taijlor, b. Dec. 12, 1884. 

(B 90) ii. Lnnj 7?.« Taylor, b. June 24, 1859. 
(B 91) iii. Ida L} Taylor, b. Aug. 27, 186.5; m. 1S02, J. 
Harry Lomas, b. Sept. 28, 1849, and had ': 

(B 92) i. Clara E. SJ Lomas, b. Feb. 4, 1893. 

(B 93) iv. Daisij IV' Taylor, b. Aug. 2, 1869; d. Feb. 18, 
1893 ; ra. Dec. 30, 1890, Frank Browning. 



(B 35) Henry^ Hoskixs (Lydia-, John Box^). 

He was son of (B 7) and b. , 1776; d. Feb., 1804; m. , 1798, 

Abigail Whittier, b. in Wiscasset, Me., 1778, d. Oct. 18, 1864. 

Children : 

(B 94) i. James Whittier^ Hoskins, b. Apr. 28, 1799; d. June 5, 1833. 

See below. 
(B 95) ii. Henry Box^ Hoskins, b. Dec. 22, 1801 ; d. Mar. 3, 1876. See 

below. 
(B 96) iii. A daughter. 

Biography of (B oij) Hexky Hoskixs. 

He was ten years old -when his father died. Three and a half years 
later his mother apprenticed him to the firm of Thomas & Andrews, I'rinters 
and Publishers, at 45 Newbury Street, Boston, until his majority in 1796, 
when he went to Wiscasset, Me., and formed a partnership with J. N. 
Russell (formerly of the firm of Jos. N. & John Russell, Printers, Quaker 
Lane, Boston) for the purpose of establishing a newspaper called The 
Wiscasset Telegraph, the first one printed in Maine. The word " telegrapli," 
now so common, was unknown until 1792, when INI. Chappe invented one 
that was used in France, and in 1796 two were in use in the Admiralty 
Office in London. Evidently these were two progressive young men I A 
perfect copy of this pa,per is in possession of the ^Massachusetts Historical 
Society in Boston. There are four pages, each 12 by 18 inches, of four 
columns each. The heading is in Roman letters ; underneath is a motto, 

16 



242 PART 11. 



" The Wilderness shall bud and blossom like the rose," followed by the 
announcement, "Printed and published by J. N. Russell and H. Hoskins, 
corner of Main and Fore Streets, Wiscasset. Ko. XV, Vol. I. Saturday 
March 11, 1797 [1 doll. 75 cts. per annum]." 

In the first column is the farewell address of the A'ice-President of the 
United States to the Senate, after his election to the Presidency ; the next 
contains Congressional news, followed by "A Communication from an Inhab- 
itant of Maine " in regard to the separation of Maine and Massachusetts. 
The second page contains the Report of the Massachusetts Legislature, 
Domestic News from Philadelphia, and the announcement that " The 
Empress of all the Russias the Great Catherine is dead." There is news 
from " The Havannah," also an account of the birthday celebration of George 
Washington, President of the United States. The paper was discontinued 
soon after the death of Mr. Hoskins (1804). 

In 17G6 Capt. Ebenezer Whittier, father of Mrs. Hoskins, removed with 
his family from Haverhill and purchased land in Pownalborough (a part of 
which is now Wiscasset). He built the famous old '• Whittier Tavern and 
Stage House," which stood until after 1830. It was burned and a second 
house erected upon its site called the " Hilton House " (for Col. Hilton, 
second husband of Abigail Hoskins), which is now standing, and its land- 
lord is a direct descendant of Capt. Whittier. 

Capt. Whittier was Town Clerk of Wiscasset for many years. In 1787 
he represented his district at the General Court in Boston, and was Post- 
master of Wiscasset from 1790 until his death, in 1810. His wife, Eliza- 
beth Merrill, was b. at Amesbury, Mass. 



(B 94) James Whittier* Hoskins (Henry'', Lydia'^, John Box^). 

He was son of (B 35) and b. Apr. 28, 1799 ; d. June 5, 1833 ; m. Oct. 
7, 1821, Eliza Adams, b. Dec. 12, 1805, d. Jan. 1, 1851, at Bangor, Me. 

Seven Children : 

(B 97) i. Trijphosa^ Hoskins, b. June 4, 1823 ; d. May 3, 1901, at Bangor, 
Me. ; m. Dec. 9, 1851, Jonas Parlin Wyman, b. Sept. 4, 1820. 

Child : 

(B 97a) i. James Hoskins^ Wyman, b. Feb. 1, 1853; d. 
young. 

(B 98) ii. Abigail Hilton^ Hoskhis, b. Jan. 6, 1825; d. at Bangor, Me., 
Oct. 5, 1868; m. June 12, 1855, Henry Noyes, b. Nov. 14, 
1818, and had two children, b. in Bangor : 



BOX B'AMILY. 243 



(B 99) i 
(1? 100) ii 



Fannie Tloskms^ Nni/es, h. Fcl). 1'.). ISaC. 

William, Henri/ Noyes, b. May (J, 18")7 ; in. 
Aug. 30, 1S83, Carrie White, wlio wa.s b. at 
Charlestown, Mass., St'|it, .". 1 SC.'J. Their 
cliililrcn : 

(B 101) i. Etta Gertrude'' Noi/es, h. .lime 9, ISSI. 

(B 102) ii. Henri/ Clifford'' Noi/es, b. Sept. II, 1 ssr» ; d. 

Apr., 1889. 
(B 103) iii. Ida MaheV Noijes, b. Sept. 22, 1 S88. 

(B 104) iii. Eliza^ Hosk'ms, b. Sept. 7, 182(5; iii. .Inly 27, IS,".!;, Tiinotliy 
Cole of Winterport, b. Mar. 14, 1825, d. May 7, 1883. Their 
children : 

(B 105) i. George Hoskins^ Cole, b. Mar. 12, 18(10 ; d. Dec 

12, 18(52. 
(B lOG) ii. Alice M^ Cole, b. Aug. 29, 18G2 ; d. at Bangor, 
Me., July 13, 1887 ; in. June 28, 1886, Clin- 
^ ton H. Spencer. 

(B 107) iv. Manj Green Jea-ett^ Hoskins, b. Alar. 29, 1828, at Wisea.s.set, 
]\fe. ; m. Dec. 31, 1848, Edwin Colburn of Bangor, Me., 
b. Aug. 20, 1823. Their children : 

(B 108) i. Eliza Ella^ Colburn, b. Nov. 1, 1850; m. \\n-. 
9, 1873, Gilman Charles Crane of Bangor, 
Me., b. Oct. 2, 1835, d. Apr. 19. 1889. They 
had two children : 

(B 109) i. AUre Man/' Crane, b. Xov. 18, 1874. 

(B 110) ii. Helen Frances'' Crane, b. Jan. G, 187G ; in. Nov. 

1, 1900, Charles Howard Nason, b. Aug. 11. 

1875, in Bangor, Me. 

(B 111) ii- Edirin Jaines^ Colburn, b. ^fay 15, 1855, at 
Bangor, Me. ; m. Jan. 3, 188;>, Gertrude L. 
Eidley of Glenburn, Me., b. May 10, 1858. 
They have had seven children : 

(B 112) i. Bessie C? Colburn, b. Oct. 21, 1883. 

(B 113) ii. Walter 0? Colburn, b. Feb. 22, 188G. 

(B 114) iii. Marie L? Colburn, b. Aug. 2, 1888. 

(B 115) iv. Harry E? Colburn, b. May 2G, 1892. 

(B 116) V. Vera G? Colburn, b. Sept. 18, 1893. 

(B 117) vi. Ralph FJ Colburn, b. IMay 18, 1895. 

(B 118) vii. Ruth E? Colburn, b. Mar. 2(), 1899. 

(B 119) V. James Henri/ Hoskins, son of (B 94), was b. Nov. 15, 1829. 
(B 120) vi. Susan^ Hoskins, dau. of (B 94), was b. Jan. 2, 1832; d. July, 
1855. 



244 PART II. 



(B 121) vii. Preserved Brayton Mills^ Hoskins, son of (B 94), was b. July 
23, 1833, at Bangor. Me. ; m. May 20, 1861, Annie J. Wilson 
of Newcastle, Me., b. Dec. 2, 1839. 

Children : 

(B 122) i. Alice Ellza^ Hoskins, b. Aug. 22, 1862, at New- 
castle, Me. ; m. Nov. 5, 1884, Alplionso 
Perkins Alderman, b. Mar. 2, 1853, d. Mar. 
14,1891. Their children : 

(B 123) i. Ethel Marlci' Alderman, b. Nov. 6, 1889, at 

Hartford, Ct. 
(B 124) ii. Brayton Alphonso"^ Alderman, b. Nov. 1, 1890. 

(B 125) ii. Bertha Ladd^ Hoskins, b. Mar. 29, 1865, at 
Providence, R. I. Is a physician and res. in 
Brookline, Mass. 

(B 126) iii. Helen Foster^ Hoskins, b. Oct. 3, 1867, at 
Providence, R. I. ; m. Sept. 19, 1897, Louis 
Winthrop Thompson of Avon, Ct., b. June 
20, 1862. Res. at Hartford, Ct. 
Child : 

(B 127) i. Dorothy Claire'' Thompson, b. Aug. 20, 1900. 

(B 128) iv. Eryiest James^ Hoskins, b. July 30, 1870, at 
Hartford, Ct. ; m. June 17, 1896, Prances 
May Thompson of Avon, Ct., b. May 28, 
1873, and has Herbert Wilson'' Hoskins, 
b. May 3, 1897, and Wm. Alvah^ Hoskins, 
b. Mar. 28, 1899. 



Biography of (B 94) Rev. James Whittier* Hoskins. 

Rev. James W.* Hoskins, the record of whose descendants precedes this 
sketch, was the eldest son of (B 35) Henry and Abigail (Whittier) Hoskins, 
and was born in the old Whittier Tavern, Wiscasset, Me. His father died 
when James was five years old ; but little is knoAvn of his early youth. 
Although bred a Congregationalist, he adopted early the Universalist faith, 
and at 22 years of age w^as preaching that doctrine. He was a " fellowship 
minister" until he was ordained on Oct. 6, 1830. He was elected Standing 
Clerk of the Maine Universalist Convention at its organization, in 1828, 
which office he retained for many years. Rev. Wm. A. Drew", editor of the 
Gospel Banner, in 1855, thus writes of him : 

" Mr. Hoskins was a close student, and one of the best Universalist 
ministers Maine ever had. He Avas the best judge of character we ever 
knew. His eye was sharp like that of an eagle, and he could almost dis- 
sect the soul of any man he saw, and decide upon his worthiness. Duty 



BOX FAMILY. 246 



was his supreme law, ami in its discharge he would saoriHce t-verytiiiiiK 
earthly. He died of pneumonia after a three days' illness, wliile pastor of 
the Universalist Society at Uangor, in 1833, at the age r)f :\l years, living 
and dying a full believer in universal salvation." 



(B 95) Henry Wox^ Hoskins (Henhy», Lyi.ia-. ,I(.iiv i'.ox'). 

He was son of (B 35), and was b. Dec. 21', ISOl ; d. .Mar. 3, 1876; 
m. Oct. 26, 1826, Mary Green Jewett of Hallowell, Me., b. May 21, 1808, 

d. in Boston, Apr. 21, 1892. Three children : 

(B 129) i. Thomas Henri/ Uoskins, b. May 14, 1828, at Gardiner, Me.; 
m. first, 184;"), Mary Reed; m. second, ]\ray 14, 1863, Mrs. 
Caroline Amelia Strong of Keyport, X. J., b. Jan. 3, 1840, 
d., in Boston. Mar. 12, 1864; m. third, Nov. 12, 1864, Mel- 
anie Agatha Strong of Georgia, Vt., b. Oct. 24, 1839. His 
biography follows that of his father. See below. 

Five Children : 

(B 130) i. MaheJ Catherine^ llos]dns,h. Oct. 12, 1865; 
m. June 16, 1890, in Dorchester, Rev. 
Junius Bascom Spiers, b. Dec, 1862, at 
Ream's Station, Va. They have had five 
children, four of whom are living: 

(B131) i. Alice Frances^ Spiers, b. Apr. 27, 1891, at 

Savannah, Ga. 
(B 132) ii. John Worcester' Spiers, b. Aug. 9, 1892, at 

Derby, Vt. 
(B133) iii. Dorothy Jewett"^ Spiers, b. Nov. 1, 1893, at 

Portland, Me. ; d. :\lay 13, 1895. 
(B 134) iv. Hiomns Junixis' Spiers, b. I\Iar. 12, 1896, at 

Derby, Vt. 
(B 135) V. Fleanor Mabel'' Spiers, b. Aug. 2, 1897, at 

Derby, Vt. 

(B 136) ii. Charles Hennf Hoskins, b. Oct. 17, 1866, at 
Newport, Vt. 

(B 137) iii. Williavi^ Hoskins, b. Jan. 15, 1869, at New- 
port, Vt. 

(B 138) iv. Mar>/ Hoskins, b. Oct. 10, 1870, at New- 
port, Vt. 

(B 139) V. Alice^ Hoskins, b. Aug. 28, 1878, at New- 
port, Vt. 

(B 140) ii. Catherine Frances^ Hoskins, second child of (B 95), was b. 
Sept. 14, 1832, at Windsor, Me. ; d. Oct. 31, 1865, at Bos- 
ton ; bur. at Mt. Auburn ; m. at Gardiner, Me., Dec. 1, 
1852, Charles Carroll Evans of Bo.ston, b. Sept. 17, 1831, 
in Portland, Me., d. in Chicago, 111., Sept. 20, 1889. 



246 PART II. 



Five Children, all b. in Boston : 

(B 141) i. Mary Iloskins^ Evans, h. July 12, 1855; m. 
June 6, 1876, at Gardiner, Me., David Henry 
Darling of Wakefield, Mass., b. May 13, 
1845, at jSTorth Adams, lies, at Rye, N.Y. 
Their children are six in number, all b. at 
Wakefield : 

(B 142) i. Eoherf DarNnrj, b. July 1, 1877. 

(B 14,')) ii. Kdtherine Evans' Darling, b. Sept. 15, 1878. 

(B 144; iii. Eleanor Louise'' Darling, b. Feb. 4, 1880. 

(B 145) iv. Louis'' Darling, b. July 26, 1883. 

(B 146) V. Mnrgaref Darling, b. Sept. 26, 1886. 

(B 147) vi. Gladys'' Darling, b. Feb. 13, 1891. 

(B 148) ii. William CarroW Evans, b. July 11, 1858: 
m. July 11, 1883, Gertrude Chamberlain 
Emery of Montpelier, Vt., b. Dec. 20, 
1857. They have two children. 

(B U9) i. Catherine Marrf Evans, b. July 23, 1887, in 

Chicago, 111. 
(B 150) ii. Doris Rebecca'' Evans, b. June 9, 1893, in 

St. Paul, Minn. 

(B 151) iii. Henry Hoskins^ Evans, b. Apr. 21, 1861 : 
d. Apr. 24. 

(B 152) iv. Charles Hoshins^ Eoans, b. July 22, 1863; m. 
Apr. 23, 1896, Lena Thomas of Kote, 
Japan, b. Apr. 12, 1870, in Australia. 

(B 153) iii. Eleanor Hyde^ Hoshins, third child of (B 95) was b. Dec. 22, 
1842, at Gardiner, Me. ; m. first, Apr. 13, 1864, Irving 
Stearns Hunt of Boston, b. 1835; m. second. Mar. 17, 
1885, William Gay Waitt, Esq., of Boston, b. Feb. 28, 
1855, at Pittston, ]Me. 



BlOGBAPHT OF (B 95) HeNRY Box HOSKINS. 

Henry Box Hoskins, second son of (B 35), was born in the old Whittier 
Tavern, Dec. 22, 1801. He was three years old when his father died. 
Nothing definite is known of his early days, but it is supposed that he 
lived with his grandfather Whittier, at least until his mother married, and 
possibly afterward. He was given the education common to the boy of the 
time ; first the " Dame School," and later under Master Quimby, who was a 
famous school-master of that town for many years. He used sometimes to 
tell of carrying his mother's foot-stove to the cold meeting-house, and how 
cold he was himself sitting beside her. 



BOX FAMILY. 'J4' 



At the age of fifteen he began to support liimsclt', and at nineteen ho 
was a clerk in the office of Hon. Robert Hallowell (Janliner of (ianlincr, Me. 
Four years later he was appointed agent of his employer and given full 
charge of his estate, which embraced the greater part of (Jardiner. 'I'll is 
was a responsible position, and that he ably filled it is proved by his retain- 
ing it for fourteen years. During that time, besides attending to small 
details of the business, he superintended the building of a hotel large and 
imposing for those days — the Evans House, wliicli still stands. Across the 
beautiful Cobbosseecontee he built five stone dams ami upon its shorea 
erected a brick paper-mill, with several saw-mills. TiUst. but not the least 
of his labors, was the superintendence, under the architect's supervision, of 
the erection, in 1836, of a fine granite mansion house for his employer, whicli 
was named "Oaklands," and to-day is one of the finest specimens of Eliza- 
bethan architecture in the United States. In his tireless energy he spared 
neither himself nor his workmen. Thoroughness was his lifelong motto. 
In 1838 he entered into a partnership with a son-in-law of jNIr. Gardiner, 
Mr. Francis Richards. They took the paper-mill built for Mr. Gardiner, 
and under the name of " Richards & Hoskins," built up a business that had 
no equal in the country for the honesty of its work and the high grade of 
its paper, not a sheet of which was allowed to pass from the machines to the 
packing rooms that had within or upon it a speck or flaw of any kind. !Mr. 
Hoskins continued in this mill after the death of his partner, taking first 
one and then another of Mr. Richards' sons into partnership. In 1805 he 
retired from active business ; but preferring, as he said, "to wear out rather 
than rust out," he accepted the Treasurership of the Gardiner Savings Insti- 
tution, which, under his judicious management, grew into the flourishing 
condition that demands and owns its own building, and enjoyed the con- 
fidence of the community at large. Mr. Hoskins retired from this position, 
on account of failing health, in 1875. 

He Avas honored by many positions of public trust, all of wliich he nobly 
filled. After Gardiner was incorporated as a city, he served in both branches 
of its Government, and also as the City Treasurer. In 1859 he was elected 
its Mayor, and repeatedly declined renomination. To his State he was ever 
loyal, and his voice was heard within the walls of the State House. Only 
his age and deafness prevented his joining the army during the Civil 
War. 

In a biographical notice of him were these words : " ^U. Hoskins was a 
thoroughly honest man and his character was above reproach. There is not 
a man in town but will regret his decease." What better epitaph could a 
man have from those with whom he had mingled for fifty years I 

He was debarred from many pleasures in his later years by an increas- 
ing deafness, in compensation for which he busied himself with his books. 



248 PART II. 



He was a man of strong intellect and very decided opinions, a gentleman of 
the old school, devoted to his wife, family and home. He was interested in 
agriculture and horticultiire, and strove to have the best the earth produced. 
Some of his happiest hours were spent in his garden, the fruits of which he 
delighted to share with his friends. On his grounds he planted trees of 
rare varieties imported from Europe. From the Congregational faith of his 
mother, he returned, on leaving his home with her, to that of his father, 
grandfather and great-grandfather, who were all members of the Episcopal 
Church. In that faith he continued until 1836, when he, with his wife, 
adopted the doctrines of Swedenborg, in which he was a firm believer to the 
end of life and one of the leaders in the New Church, as he had been in 
everything he embraced. This was his nature ; he did not choose to lead^ 
but was forced to it by the strength that was in him, he being by nature 
retiring and unassuming. 

He was broad-minded, ever open to receive what was new. This made 
him one of the first in the State to introduce the practise of homeopathy. 
He was an indulgent father, and the welfare of his children was always his 
first concern. 

On Oct. 26, 1826, he was married to Mary Green Jewett of Hallowell^ 
Me., in Christ Church, Gardiner, by Et. Rev. George Griswold. Their home 
was marked by hospitality. A quotation from the historian of Christ 
Church, Gardiner, may not be out of place here. " The genial hospitality 
of Mr. Hoskins' home, with the kindly courtliness of Mrs. Hoskins, was 
long among the greatest charms of Gardiner's society." 

Mr. Hoskins died of paralysis, March 3, 1876, six months before the 
completion of fifty years of wedded life. His funeral was from his beloved 
home, and was attended by both branches of the City Government — all the 
noted men of the town, and many from adjoining towns. Among his sin- 
cerest mourners were the operatives of his old mills, many of whom had 
cause to remember that generous hand in time of trouble. The mills were 
shut down, both as a mark of respect to one who had made for them both 
name and fame, and to allow the attendance of the operatives. 

The Savings Institution passed the following resolutions : 



" Whereas : Lamenting the death of Hon. H. B. Hoskins, the former 
Treasurer of this Institution : 

" Resolved : That in the death of Mr. Hoskins this Institution has lost 
one who, being one of the founders of the Institution and having been inti- 
mately connected with it during its whole existence, having filled the offices 
of Trustee, President, and Treasurer, has proved himself one of its warmest 
and ablest friends and has discharged the duties of his several offices with 
great fidelity and to the entire satisfaction of the Institution. 



BOX FAMILY. -KW) 



'^ Resolved: That all our relations witli him proved his noUe, manly 
purposes, his thorough unswerving faitlifulness, his untlinchinL- intoLM-itv 
and his true friendship. '' 

"Resolved : That although he has entered into his rest, we derive ercat 
consolation from the fact that, in all his relations of life, it may with pro- 
priety be said, not only was his work done but tliat it was well-done; and 
that he has left a record of fidelity and honesty invahiable to tlioso wlio 
survive. 

'< Resolved : That all business of the Institut ion be suspended the day of 
the burial, that the several officers thereof may pav tlicir last respects to tlie 
deceased. 

"Resolved: That these Eesolutioiis be entered on tlie records of llie 
Institution and a copy be sent to the family of our late associate, witJi our 
heartfelt sympathy in their bereavement." 



This record cannot be closed without brief mention of the beloved 
wife. She was the daughter of Jesse and Rebecca (Jiamuiond Green) 
Jewett, and was born at Bowman's Point, then a part of the town of 
Hallowell, Me., and her entire life, with the exception of its last twelve 
years, when she resided in Boston, was spent in that town and in Gardiner, 
Me. Celebrated for her beauty in early life, she preserved much of it until 
her death. Though but of medium height, so queenly was her bearing that 
all named her tall, and at eighty-five she stood as erect as at eighteen. 
Under the tuition of such women as Lydia jNfaria Child and Miss Lucretia 
Bancroft, a sister of the famous historian, she develoi)ed a mind far in 
advance of the feminine intelligence of her time. Study was her deliglit, 
and long after middle life, she took up and perfected herself in the French 
language. She was an adept in the art of letter writing, and the year 
before her death, she sent over two hundred letters to her family and friends. 
Despite her intellectual tastes, she well fulfilled the words of Holy Writ, 
and "looked well to the affairs of her household." She was a generous 
benefactor to the poor of the town. 

With her husband, she was a sincere believer in the doctrines of 
Swedenborg. The following is an extract from a notice written by one of 
her young friends : "Our dear old friend went to sleep after she had spent 
a long course of nearly eighty-six years on this earth, and passed into tliat 
other world, towards which she had looked with calm faith and trust. Her 
old age w^as indeed a wonderful gift, and made a crown of a most inspiring 
life. It had the unusual characteristic of cheerfulness through many friend- 
ships. Although the friends of her youth had died, she had not turned lier 
face sadly to her past and refused to be comforted, but had held out her 
hands warmly to new friends, to the children and the grandchildren of her 
former mates, so that to the end she was surrounded by loving faces." 



250 PART ir. 



Years ago, before women thought of going to college, and even before 
they thought it quite womanly to spend much time in study, she read and 
thought, striving to reach her own conclusions upon important questions of 
life. Her home in ]Maiue was long a social centre. Mrs. Hoskins died at 
the residence of her son-in-law William Gay Waitt, Esq., 15 Wheatland 
Avenue, Dorchester, Mass., April 21, 1892, and was buried beside her hus- 
band in Gardiner, Me. 

BioGKAPHY OF (B 129) Thomas H.^ Hoskins. 

Thomas Henry^ Hoskins, M.D., was born in Gardiner, Me., May 14, 
1828, and was educated in the schools of that town until the age of 16, 
when he was sent to the private school of the late Joseph William Jenks, 
LL.D., of Dorchester, Mass. Here for a year he devoted his attention to 
the natural sciences. The following year he entered the counting-house of 
h.is father ; this he soon left for that of a wholesale druggist in Boston. In 
1849 he removed to Louisville, Kentucky, where he entered the Medical 
Department of the Louisville University and graduated with high honors in 
1860. A few years later he established himself in his profession in IJoston, 
his specialty being diseases of children. He was a member of the Massa- 
chusetts Medical Society, and also of the Boston Society of Medical Observa- 
tion. For several years he was one of the physicians of the Boston Dis- 
pensary, and in 1864 was appointed a Health Warden of the city. His 
tastes were literary and he soon took up journalism, being on the staff of 
the Boston Courier, also contributing to medical journals. In 1866 he had 
a severe fall upon the icy pavements of Boston, which obliged him to resign 
his practice. In the same year he removed to Newport. Yt., and engaged in 
agricultural and horticultural pursuits, his special work being the introduc- 
tion into Canada and northern New England of the famous iron-clad apple 
trees ; of these he had on his extensive farm in Derby, Yt., three hundred 
varieties, comprising more than fifteen hundred trees. Upon this work will 
his fame rest. He here continued his literary labors, editing and contribu- 
ting to various agricultural papers and magazines. He was Yice-President 
of the American Pomological Society and also of the American Horticultural 
Society of Yermont, and was often lecturer before these and other organiza- 
tions. Failing health obliged him to resign all and every department of his 
beloved work, a trouble of the brain forever obscuring his brilliant intellect. 



(B 37) Susanna^ Hoskins (Lydia^, John Box^). 

She was dau. of (B 7) Lydia (Box) and William Hoskins, was b. in 
1778; bapt. Jan. 8, 1776; d. Dec. 13, 1863, in Dedham ; m. Dec. 30, 1804, 
Reuben Guild (widower) of Dedham, b. Aug. 18, 1762, d. Sept. 10, 1848. 



BOX FAMILY. 251 



Child : 



(B 154) i. WlUhim Hoskins* GuiU, b. May G, 1805; »1. S.'i.t. L'o, 1,S7«J, 
in Boston; m. first, June 19, 1828, Sarah Glover of I'joston^ 
b. Oct. 2(), 1808, d. Oct. 9, 1859; ni. second, Sept. 18, ISCO, 
Susanna \l. Lucas, b. 18."n . Tie had niM- rliihl by each 



marriage 



(B 155) i. William. 11} GuiUI, Jr., h. Apr. I'C, IS.'JS ; 
d. Feb. 27, 1870; m. July 24, 18()0, F. 
Albertina Harrington, b. ISIO, and had: 

(B 156) i. William 11.^ Guild, 3d, b. .May 1. ISCl ; d. 
1888 or 1889. 



(B 157) ii. Charles JIoski?is^ Guild, b. July 10. ISdl ; m. 
Sept., J 890, Ella Francis Mann, b. May 21, 
1863, and have : 

(B 158) i. Henri/ Johnson^ Guild, b. An-. 21, 1891, in 

Boston. 
(B 159) ii. Charles Francis'' Guild, h. Nov. 22, 1895, in 

Bangor, Me. 



(B 38) Chakles Chauncey^ Hoskins (Lydia^, John Box'). 

He was son of (B 7) Lydia (Box) and William Hoskins, and b. in Bos- 
ton, Nov. 2, 1783 ; bapt. at the First Church, Nov. 7, 1783 ; d. at New- 
port, R. I., June 12, 1813 ; m. May 12, 1805, Sarah, dau. of John L. Boss 
of Newport, R. I., b. Feb. 17, 1787, d. June 5, 1874. Four children, 
whose records follow the biography of their father. 

Biography of (B 38) Charles C. Hoskins. 

Charles Chauncey Hoskins was the youngest surviving son of William 
and Lydia Box Hoskins, being but three years old at the death of his 
father. He was named for Boston's celebrated divine, who was also a warm 
friend of the family. After his father's death, William Hoskins took this 
baby brother under his especial care ; and after settling in his foreign home, 
he sent for him, and intended to share his home with him. The financial 
troubles of the dearly loved mother caused a return to America of her 
youngest son, who realizing the duty he owed to her, gave up all idea of 
returning to France. Shortly after his return, he married Sarah, daughter 
of John L. Boss of Newport, R. I., in which place he settled, and made a 
home for the mother, and was to her " the staff of her old age." Three 
years before his death, at the early age of thirty, the mother went to Ded- 



252 PART II. 



ham, leaving her son all the family silver of her own and of her father's 
that she had retained during her many vicissitudes. This silver descended 
to his daughter Caroline, who died unmarried, she in turn leaving it to the 
daughter of her oldest brother, John Grey Hoskins, Mrs. Milo J. Weller of 
Fort IJragg, Cal., in whose possession it now is. 

The second son of Charles Chauncey Hoskins died unmarried at the 
age of 22. Like so many of the family, the sea was his home. On return- 
ing from a long voyage, his ship was wrecked within sight of home, and he 
was drowned. 



(B 161) John Grey^ Hoskins (Chas. C.^ Lydia'^, John Box^). 

He was the son of (B 38) Charles Chauncey Hoskins, and was b. Aug. 
13, 1806 ; d. Nov. 22, 1848 ; m. Apr. 7, 1835, Mary M. Gorton of .Corning, 
'KY., b. Jan. 7, 1820. Four children, whose records follow the biography 
of (B 161). 

Biography of (B 161) John Grey^ Hoskins. 

John Grey* Hoskins, eldest son of Charles Chauncey and Sarah (Boss) 
Hoskins, was born in Newport, R. I., Aug. 13, 1806, and died in Dexter, 
Mich., Nov. 22, 1848, of consumption. He was studiously inclined. He 
entered college and there prepared himself for the duties of a priest of the 
Episcopal Church, but just before his ordination he was seized with a 
hemorrhage of the lungs, which obliged him to relinquish his chosen pro- 
fession. From this time he made the West his home, never returning to 
Newport. He became a Professor of Languages and taught in schools and 
colleges. In 1835 he married Miss Mary M. Gorton of Corning, New York, 
who still survives him (1901), living with her daughter, Mrs. Milo J. Weller, 
of Fort Bragg, California. 

(B 162) i. Marif E.'' Hoskins, b. Feb. 21, 1836; d. July 3 6, 1855. 

(B 163) ii. Charles G.^ Hoskins, b. June 17, 1837 ; d. July 24, 1859. 

(B 164) iii. Caroline Sophia^ Hoskins, b. Aug. 9, 1840; d. Apr. 1, 1862. 

See below. 
(B 165) iv. Ilurtha Ann^ Hoskins, b. Aug. 26, 1846. See below. 



(B 164) Caroline Sophia^ Hoskins (John G.^ Chas. C^ Lydia^, 

John Box^). 

She was dau. of (B 161) ; m. Feb. 14, 1861, George Sherman Beach, 
b. Nov. 15, 1839, d. Apr. 27, 1886. 



BOX FAMILY. £58 



Child : 
(B 165a) i. Caroline Sophia^ Beach, b. Mar. L'C, 1 S(iL' ; iii. Apr. 'JC, ISHL', 
Artliui- Phelps ralinoi-, b. Feb. 2, 18(50. Res. at Sayro,' I'enn! 
They have had six children : 

(B 166) i. liiith Ellxaheth' Palmvr, h. Apr. 'Z'2, ISS;!. 

(B 167) ii. Etlu'J Maif Faliuer, b. Sept. 6, iSSa: d. .lune 

6, 1886. 

(B 168) iii. Leslie AJ Palmer, b. Mar. 16, 1887. 

(B 169) iv. Harold Stephen'' Palmer, b. Dec. 11, 18;t(). 

. (B 170) V. Floyd Beach'' Palmer, b. Dec. 24, ]81»;;. 

(B 171) vi. Lillian Caroline'' Palmer, b. Afay 19, 1896. 



<B 165) Martha Ann^ Hoskins (John G.*, Chas. C", Lydia^, John Box'). 

She was dau. of (B 161) ; in. July 25, 1866, Milo James Wkllkk, 
b. Apr. 20, 1834. 

Nine Children : 
(B 172) i. John Ehvin^ Weller, b. Dec. 23, 1867 ; m. Dec. 27, 1893, Helen 
Stewart, b. Sept. 28, 1874, and has two children : 

(B 181) i. Harriet Lucille'' Weller, h. July 31, 1894. 
(B 182) ii. Robert Eliviii' Weller, b. Mar. 25, 1899. 

{B 173) ii. Charles Hoskins^ Weller, b. May 21, 1869. 
(B 174) iii. Marn Jidia^ Weller, b. Mar. 21, 1871 ; d. Feb. 15, 1872. 
(B 175) iv. Franh Elmov^ Weller, b. Dee. 9, 1872; m. Jan. 31. 1891. Lillie 
Lawrence, b. Mar. 2, 1876. 

Child: 
(B 182(0 i. Irene Frances'' Weller, b. Jan. 16, 1896. 

(B 176) V. Ma.rtha Josephine^ Weller, b. Mar. 21, 1875. 

(B 177) vi. Caroline Maif Weller, b. May 17. 1877; d. Oct. 17, 1891. 

(B 178) vii. Cora Vin'ie'' Weller, b. Nov. 22, 1879 ; d. Sept. 8, 1880. 

(B 179) viii. Ililo James^ Weller, Jr., b. Apr. 13, 1881. 

(B 180) ix. Gmj Vere^ Weller, b. Aug. 21, 1882. 



(B 183) ii. Caroline Elizabeth Raymond* HosJcins, dau. of (B 38), b. Nov. 

4, 1808; d. Dec. 20, 1891. 
(B 184) iii. Charles P'rederic Augustus* Hoshins, son of (B 38), b. Sept. 

27, 1809; d. Jan. 15, 1831. 
(B 185) iv. Orlando Jam.es Boss* noskins, son of (B 38), b. Sept. 13. 1811 ; 

d. Mar. 17, 1870, in Providence, II. I. ; m. May 31, 1837, 

Harriet Jones Farnuni of Providence, b. Oct. 30, 1814, 

d. Feb. 26, 1897. 

Child : 
(B 186) i. Charles Chauncey^ Hoskins, b. Aug. 24, 1845. 

Mr. 0. J. B. Hoskins became cashier of the Union Bank of Providence, 
R. I., at the age of twenty-five, retaining that position for thirty-four years. 

END OF PART II. 



APPENDICES, 



APPENDIX I. 
The Bant Family of Boston. 



Married, Gilbekt Bant and Mercy Whitwell, Oct. 13, 1687. 

Children : 

i. 3I(iri/ Bant, bapt. Oct. 20, 1695; d. young, 
ii. Mar^ Bant, bapt. Mar. 22, 1691-2; m. Benj. Bronsdonl 
iii. Gilbert Bant, bapt. Oct. 20, 1695; d. young, 
iv. William Bant, bapt. Peb. 5, 1698-9. 
V. Elizabeth Bant, bapt. July 13, 1701 ; d. young. 

Capt. Gilbert Bant had relatives in Boston, brothers, sisters, etc., as see 
the following : 

Marriages. John Bant & Sarah Coleman by Rev. Benj'*' Coleman, Jan. 
17, 1702. 

John Staniford and Mary Bant, Aug. 13, 1705. 
John Oliver and Martha Bant, May 8, 1707. 
Matthias Bant and Mercy Leasonbee, Nov. 6, 1708. 
John Grantham and Martha Bant, Dec. 8, 1690. 

The latter Martha may have been a widow and mother of Capt. Bant,, 
who was about 28 years old in 1690. In his will Martha Oliver is spoken 
of as his sister. 

The name of Bant is now extinct as a surname in Massachusetts and, 
doubtless, throughout the country; but there are many descendants of Capt. 
Gilbert Bant, as well as of his brothers and sisters. Capt. Bant is ancestor 
of all the Bronsdons after the second generation. 

The Bant family seat was in Cornwall and they were there very early. 
(The broad sound of a is used in pronouncing Bant.) Stephen Bant married 
Blanche Langdon, or Lanyon, of Keverell. She was daughter of John 
Langdon. Their daughter Jane married William Bligh of Botathan, Corn- 
wall, son of Thomas Bligh of the same, and to them descended the Manor of 
Bant. (See Herald's Visitation of Cornwall.) Some of the Lanyons were- 
in this country. One Charles Lanyon of the town of Penzance, Cornwall 
(which is a maritime county in the southwest of England), Merchant, gives. 
a power of attorney thus : 



ALT END IX 1. 255 



P 



''By vertue of the last, Will & Testament of Thomas Lanycn, lal.- ..f 
the Citty or Towiie of Boston in New England in America, tlecsd. I d,, 
ordain and appoint my Trusty & well respected friend W" I'.iintof the Citty 
and Towne of T.oston aforesaid to sell and dispose of the estate devised me 
by said Thomas Lanyon, mariner, dan. 7, 1737. Signed, sealed and Deliv- 
ered on Treble sixpenny stanipt pa])er in presence of John Bradford and 
Arthur Waterhouse." (See Suffolk Deeds.) 

The William ]^>ant referred to was son of Capt. Gilbert I'.ant. The 
Bants lived first at the "South End of Boston," which in those days meant 
near the " Church Green," or " Green Lot," at the junction of Summer Street 
and Blind Lane (easterly part of Ikdford Street). 

Capt. Gilbert Bant sailed between ]^oston and London in one of the 
finest ships then afloat called the "Mehitabel." ]Ier rival was the 
"America," Mr. William Clark, master. Capt. Bant first acfjuired a realty 
in Boston through his marriage to Mercy Whitwdl, wlio owned "half a 
double house " at the South End of Boston, which she inherited from lier 
father, William Whitwell, mariner. He had been twice married, and had a 
son by his first wife named Samuel, who was an " Inn Keeper " at tlie 
" Sign of the Golden Candlestick," near Elliston's Corner. Mercy was the 
daughter of the second wife, ]\Lary Whitwell, who, with Samuel, settled the 
Whitwell estate. The Inventory amounted to £'1732 in the year 1G84. His 
dwelling house and land were valued at £320. 

Some of the articles in the house were as follows : 

" In the Hall. — 10 leathern chairs & stooles : one sideboard ; two 
tables ; two carpets ; Looking glass and three flower potts, Brass Andirons." 

" /« the Parloitr: — one bed. bolster, pillows & curtain, one trundle- 
bed and bedding ; two chests, glass ease ; chairs ; wicker chairs, stooles 
and cushions ; table; trunks; seabed; andirons; G p' sheets, 3 bolsters, 
3 tablecloths and 18 napkins, etc." 

Previous to his marriage Capt. Bant had loaned .-t'oO to dolui Wilkins 
on the estate occupied by Wilkins' tenant, George Elliston ; and, from his 
shop, called Elliston's Corner. Elliston's Corner is often referred to in 
ancient documents. It was on Conduit Street (afterward Old Drawbridge 
Street, and later Ann Street, which became a part of North Street in modern 
times) and opposite the foot of Cross Street, but it must be remembered 
that Boston streets were not officially named until 1708. The deeds of this 
property are in Book 13, leaf 430; also ]>ook 1;"), leaf 17, extracts from 
which are as follows : 

"On the 13th of January, Anno Domini, one thousand six hundred 
and eighty nine and in the first year of the Reign of William & ^Lary, King 
& Queen over England, Richard Brookes set his hand and seal to a deed 
which he held from John Wilkins thereby conveying the estate near the 
Town Dock to Bant, s*^ Bant having advanced money thereon (£50)." 



256 APPENDIX I. 



The property is described as follows: 

Wilkins to Brookes. "This Indenture made the twenty-third day of 
ffebriiary, Anno Domini, one thousand six hundred and eighty and five 
Annoque K, K,^ Jacobi Secundi Anglia et Secundo Between John Wilkins of 
Bristoll within the County of New Plimouth, Newengland, Pottor, and 
Anstis his wife on the one part and Richard Brookes of Boston, gunnsmith, 
on the other, in consideration of the summe of fifty pounds convey to 
Brookes a Dwelling House and land Scittuate neere the Town Dock now in 
occupation of George Elliston, Shopkeeper, bounded E. by Joseph Webb, 
]Sr. by Habbakkuck Glovor, S. by the street that leadeth to the s<^ Town 
Dock and W. by land of Eliakim Hutchinson, being formerly Nehemiah 
Webbs full and cleere part of the Dwelling house and land of his Hon*^ 
Father, Richard Webb, deed, and bearing date July 1, 1659, and according 
to the same is and hath been formerly divided and fenced from Joseph 
Webbs half of the same house and since by the s*^ JSTeheraiah Webb con- 
veyed unto the s"^ John Wilkins by deed of June 25, 1670, — allow seventy 
pounds to remain, also four pounds more." 

Capt. Gilbert Bant did not live at Elliston's Corner after he came into 
possession. 

In 1693, he added to his homestead at the South End of Boston : 

"■ Gilbert Bant and Wife from Annis Hill, ad rax., Boston, Green Lot 
next street southerly part." (Suffolk Deeds, Book 16, leaf 231.) This states 
that Annis Hill sells for debts of her husband Thomas Hill her estate of 
Inheritance to Gilbert Bant mariner and Mercy his wife "daughter of 
William Whitwell late of Boston, mariner, deceased " the same consisting 
of half a double house at the southerly end of Boston, "butted on the Green 
lot lying next street, N. W. on Deacon Robert Sanderson, S. E. and S. on 
house of said Gilbert and Mercy 30 feet for a consideration of £50." 
" Peaceable and quiet posession and seizon of the house, land and premises 
was had and executed in the presence of John Walley, Philip Langdon and 
Thomas Newton. Acknowledged before Peter Sargeant." 

In 1695-6, Emma Jepson conveyed her estate of inheritance to Gilbert 
Bant. This consisted of a piece of land adjoining Bant on the west. 

These, with what his wife possessed at time of marriage, completed his 
estate at the South End of Boston. He continued to reside there until 
1708, and there his children were born, Mary (who afterward became the 
ancestress of all the Bronsdons), having first seen the light when her father 
had just returned from a voyage. 



Extracts from Old Diaries. 

When Honorable Waitstill Winthrop was in England in 1683, he 
records calling on Bant and "found M'' Quarles dying there." 



APPE>^ DIX I. •> 



-.•) I 



Samuel Sewall also mentions Jiant : 

''Octo'- 231 1688. To Mr. Edw. JIull uL the Hal in Ihunl, Al^ato, 
London. Tins is to enclose Bill of Lading . . . p' tlio .Mehetahel (Jap^ 
Bant Commander consi<--ned to yourself. I intend God willing to see you 
p' the ne.xt ship of which M"' W" Chirk is master." 

Lawrence Hammond writes: 

'' Feb. 10'" 1689. Tliis day sailed for London M-- Bant ^: in lier S' 
Edm'i Andross late Gov' of Newengland M'' Jos Dudley M-" ] 'aimer M' 
Randolph ISP West M'' (Jraliam cS: others who are sent liomc ])y tlie King as 
by bis letter arriv'' bere in Nov"^ last. They anchored at Nantaskct tlie wind 
coming Soutberly." 

''Feb. 15'" Cap' Bant witb S'' Edmund &c is said to sail from Nan- 
tasket for London." 

From Wintbrop's Diary : 

''Jan. 26'" 1691-2. News came to town by Robert Orcbard of Dol- 
berry's .... Sir W" Tbipps and Gov'' Foy taken into France. 
Quelcb and Bant also." 

Later, he writes : 

" Sabbath March 12'" 1692-3 Bant arrives in the America 9 weeks from 
Isle of Wight." 

Evidently, he was not detained in France, although he lost his ship 
<' Mehetabel/' and was then master of another vessel, the "America," of 
which at one time William Clark was master. 



Memoranda From Other Sources. 

On page 89, Vol. I, Annals of King's Chapel : 

" A Memorandum of sure honest and well disposed persons that con- 
tributed their assistance for and towards erecting a Cliurch for God's Wor- 
ship in Boston according to the Constitution of the Church of England as 
by law established." The list of names includes " Gilbart Bant." 

Feb., 1707, "Cap' Gilb. Bant paid line for chimney being on tire 
10 shillings." (Town Records of Boston.) 

About the year 1707, Capt. r>ant retired from active sea-faring life, and 
engaged in building a mansion house on Middle, now Hanover Street. 

Feb. 7, 1703, he had purchased of Jeremiah Taylor a piece of land on 
the street leading to Mill Bridge, near the mill pond. (See Book 21, 
leaf 483, Suffolk Deeds.) 

May 8, 1706, he increased his holdings near Mill Creek (afterward 
Blackstone Street). 

17 



258 APPENDIX I. 



The Mansion House, which he erected on this land, was ready for occii- 
pancy about the time his daughter Mary married Benjamin Bronsdon, Mr. 
Robert Bronsdon's son. Doubtless the wedding took place there. (See p. 70.) 

This house stood until 1870, and was finally known as the "Blackstone 
House," having then been a public house for many years, part of the time 
under the name of the '' Mansion House." Although it brings us some- 
what in advance of our history of Capt. Gilbert Bant, this seems the place 
to quote an article from the Boston Eveiiing Transcrijpt, which was printed 
in the edition for April 13, 1870. 

It relates to the demolition of the Bant Mansion, and incidentally gives 
some reminiscences of William Bant, who had inherited the mansion from 
his father, Capt. Gilbert Bant. 

The name of the writer is unknown to us. The article is as follows : 

" The further widening of Hanover Street will cause the removal of 
another of the ancient landmarks of our city- — the Blackstone House- — 
situated between Blackstone and Cross Streets. The Philistines have 
already laid violent hands upon the venerable structure, and in a few days 
it will be numbered with the things that were. There is no particular 
interest associated with this building save its antiquity and its former 
grandeur. From the records, it appears to have been built about the year 
1714 by Gilbert Bant, who is described in the deeds as " mariner and mer- 
chant " of Boston. The house was an elegant and spacious edifice for 
those days, built of brick and three stories high, and was elaborately orna- 
mented in front with pilasters, balconies, etc., and in the interior was finished 
in the highest style of elegance and magnificence, and was undoubtedly 
a first-class mansion. Mr. Bant died in 1732. In his will this estate was 

bequeathed to his son William Bant, who was also a merchant 

He was fond of high life and extravagant living, in which he freely 
indulged, maintaining a splendid establishment of horses and carriages, and 
a large retinue of servants. He died in 1754. After his death, the estate 
passed into the hands of his friend and executor, Ezekiel Goldthwait, Esq., 
who had for seven years occupied the mansion, and maintained the same style 
of luxurious living. He was considered to be a man of wealth, and for many 
years his family held high rank among the most autocratic and fashionable 
circles of the town. 

''The estate measured upwards of one hundred feet on Hanover street, 
and included the land and brick building on the north side. Part of this 
building was originally the stable attached to the Bant or Goldthwait man- 
sion, and was iised as such and for the accommodation of the numerous 
servants belonging to the establishment. There was also a large garden in 
the rear of the mansion house extending more than one hundred feet from 
Hanover street, which was always kept in a high state of cultivation. 

" The old staircase is to be removed intact and sold elsewhere, and kept 
as a specimen of the style of 150 years ago.* Cuff Goldthwait, a slave, 

* Note. The balusters are the same as those of the Hancock House and the old 
Cralgle House, in Cambridge. Three kinds of twists on each stair, made of oak wood, 
and probably carved in England. The purchaser of the old staircase was the late Mr. 
Greeley Curtis of Boston. 



Al'PKNDlX J. o.-r) 



stole money from .Mr. Goldtliwait, and hid it about the premises, as he 
declared. He was sold to the West Indies as a imnishimMit, hut never 
revealed the hiding place of the -did, whirh lias l)ccn diligently searched 
for ever since." 

There are errors in the foregoing article, one of which is the .state- 
ment that Mr. Goldthwait occupied the house hciorc the death (d William 
Bant. Mr. Goldtlnvait livinl in a snuiller house on tlie I'.ant estate at 
that time. 

Capt. Bant having decided to stay ashore, became a merchant of l^os- 
ton. He was still a ship owner, and imported his wares, some of whidi lie 
sold from his mansion, as we note by his advertisements in the Ketcs Letter, 
a few of which we quote : 

" Dry Siiccots or Bomcittron to be Sold at two shillings a ]iouiul at the 
House of Capt. Gilbert liant, Middle Street." 

"A very likely negro woman aged about eighteen years that has had 
the Small pox lately arrived who speaks English. To be sold by Capt. 
Gilbert Bant and to be seen at his house in Middle Street Boston." (News 
Letter, January, 1719, in the " Boston Library " of the Boston Public Library.) 

Capt. Bant took part in town affairs, and held various offices. He was 
elected constable in 1706, but declined, and paid his tine instead of serving. 

In the year 1711, he was chosen " Tything-man," and in ]71:;, 1715 
and 1717, he was "Auditor " of the Town of Boston. 

" 1709. Cap* Gilbert Bant & M'" John Indecott possessors of the wjiarf 
at foot of Cross Street did consent that the said wharf should be released to 
the Town of Boston and did sign and seal a quit claim thereof on the back 
side of Lease." (See Suffolk Deeds for this transaction.) 

'' Cap*. Bant collected a subscription of £'oO which he presented to the 
selectmen to\vards widening the Mill Bridge which was carried out." 
(Town Records.) 

Committee on Fortifications. 

" Jan. 23, 1718. It was voted that certain persons including Cap' Gil- 
bert Bant and Samuel Greenwood be committee to view and consider the 
state of the Fortifications of the Towne and report what they think proper 
to be done thereon and whether they think it advisable that a r>attery be 
planted on the end of the Longe Wharf e, and that the same Committee be 
Impowered to repair the North Battrey in the most manner they can not 
exceeding One Hundred and Fifty pounds." 

Note. In 1706 the North Battery had been carried out 120 feet in length and 40 
feet in breadth. At the October Town Meeting of that year, IDOO pounds were voted 
for securing and finishing the wharves already begun at Merry's Point, and for the 
Fortification to be placed there, and also for some additional wharf "to face tlie Old 
Wharfe where the Guns formerly stood in order to improve tlie same."" 



260 APPENDIX I. 



To Regulate Emigration. 

"Nov. 22, 1715. Evan Daviss brought in sick on a ship of which Capt. 
Gilbert Bant is the owner it is required of Bant to take the care of said 
Evan and provide him with medicine and subsistance and save the town 
from that charge." 

"Aug. 26, 1720. Cap* Gilbert Bant went Surety for Anthony Under- 
wood who was admitted a new inhabitant." (Town records.) 



Additional Landed Property. 

"Aug. 13, 1709. John Jepson to Gilbert Bant. Middle Street." 
"Nov. 4, 1712. Ship Street. Wharf purchased from Mary Downes." 
(Book 26, leaf 256, Suffolk Deeds.) 

Capt. Bant also purchased land " near Charlestown Ferry " and 400 
acres of land at Worcester, in the year 1716. He built two additional 
houses on Middle Street. His son, William Bant, was master of a ship in 
1726. He followed the sea until his father's death in 1732, when he also 
developed into a Boston merchant and a successful one, like his father 
before him. 

Mrs. Mercy Bant died before her husband and was buried in the Bant 
Tomb on Copp's Hill, which is on the Hull Street side and now belongs to 
the heirs of the late Frederic Walker Lincoln. Mr. Lincoln, when asked 
for the history of the tomb, replied that he did not know how it came into 
the possession of his ancestor, Amos Lincoln. 

Capt. Bant was probably about 70 years old when he died, in November, 
1732. His Will is preserved in the Suffolk Probate Registry, and is copied 
in Book 31, on leaf 187. It bears date 1726. 



Will of Cai't. Gilbert Bant, 

In the Name of God Amen. I Gilbert Bant of Boston in the County 
of Suffolk, Merchant, being of sound and disposing mind and memory 
(praised be God for the same) and being desirous to settle that temjDoral 
estate that God hath blest me with do make and ordain this my last Will 
and Testament in manner and form following : 

First and principally I commend my soul into the hands of Almighty 
God my Creator hoping through the Merits, Death and passion of my Dear 
Saviour and Redeemer Jesus Christ to obtain free pardon and remission of 
all my sins and my body I commit to the earth to be decently buried at the 
discretion of my Executor hereinafter named and as to my temporal estate 
I Give and Devise the same as followeth : 

Imprimis : my mind and will is that all my just debts funeral expenses 
and other charges be paid and discharged. 



APPENDIX T. •2<U 



Item : 1 give and bequeath to luy ihiughlcr jMaiy niousdon wife of Mr 
Benjamin Bronsdon of Boston, merchant, Five Jlundred itounds current 
money of the province to be paid her for lier own separate use by my exec- 
utor hereafter named within twelve months of my decease. 

Item: I give and becpieath to my grandson Gilbert iironsdon the like 
sum of Five Hundred pounds to be put out for him at interest until he sliall 
arrive at the age of twenty one years the interest thereof to be paid yearly 
for his education at the college at Cambridge and at the age of twenty one 
years the principal sum to be paid unto him but in case my s'' (irandson 
shall die before he attains s'' age then I give and bequeath the s'' sum to tlie 
next male child of Benjamin and INFary Bronsdon for the education of s** 
next male child at the College in Cand)ridge. . . . 

Item: I Give and bequeath unto my grandchildren iSonjumin, llobcit, 
Marcy, IMary and Bant Bronsdon fifty pounds each of like money wlien they 
shall attain the age respectively of twenty one years, or the day of their 
respective marriages which shall first happen. . . 

But my mind is touching these legacies afores'' . . . that whereas 
my beloved wife Mercy died siezed in fee of a real estate in Boston in her 
own right without making any alienation thereof and whereas after my 
death my daughter ISIarj' may be entitled to a childs portion thereof. Now 
the terms and conditions of the above legacies are that my s"* son in law 
Benjamin Bronsdon and IMary his wife shall within thirty days after my 
decease execute a sufficient deed whereby they shall for themselves and 
their heirs and assigns convey and release to their brother William I'.ant 
(my executor hereafter named) all their right and inheritance therein or any 
part of any lands and estates of their s** mother INIarcy of which she died 
siezed in fee and in case my s'' son Benjamin Bronsdon and daughter Mary 
his wife shall not release and convey as afores'' then my mind is that I give 
and devise unto my s<^ son William Bant the above s** legacies hereby giving 
to each the sum of ten shillings and my mind is that if there should be no 
male heir of my son and daughter Bronsdon to take the s'* legacy of five 
hundred pounds but they should all die before their respective ages of 
twenty one then in that case the legacy shall go to my son William Bant 
and in case of death before the day of marriage I hereby give the sum of 
fifty pounds so devised to William Bant my executor forever. 

Item : I give to my sister INIartha Oliver in case she survive me two 
hundred pounds. 

Item: I give and bequeath to the daughter of my s'' sister fifty 
pounds wdien she shall attain the age of twenty one otherwise to my 
executor. 

Item : I give to the poor widows of the Old North Church in Boston 
afores'i the sum of fifty pounds of like money. 

Item: I give and bequeath to Nicholas Cosens, Matthias Cosens and 
Matthias Bant each twenty pounds of like money to buy them mourning. 

Item : I give device and bequeath unto my son William Bant and his 
heirs and assigns forever all my houses lands tenements and hereditaments 
with their appurtenances, moneys, goods, bills, bonds, ships, wares and 
merchandises whatsoever real and personal. 

And Lastly I ordain and constitute and appoint my s*" son^ William 
Bant my whole and sole executor of this my last Will and Testament 
hereby revoking all other Wills by me heretofore made. 



262 APPENDIX I. 



Ill witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this sixth 
day of September anno Domini one thousand seven hundred and twenty 
six Anno Georgii Magnae Brittanite &c decimo tertio. 

(Signed) Gilb. Bant (and a seal) 
in presence of 

Benjamin Elliott, Robert Auchmuty and Joseph Marion. Probated 
Dec. 1, 1732. Exam'i by John Boydell Reg''." 

The Bronsdon's heirs refused to accept the conditions of the Will. 
Gilbert and Robert had died before their grandfather Bant. We do not 
find that either of the surviving grandsons, Benjamin and Bant Bronsdon, 
went to the " College at Cambridge." They were educated in England, 
probably. 

There is little to be learned concerning William Bant in the town 
records. He was chosen Constable in 1726, but at that time was a sea 
captain. In 1735 he and others signed a petition for a "Township at the 
Back or Rear of JSTorth Yarmouth to be called Gray." He was a Proprietor, 
but dwelt in Boston. The township had previously been known as New 
Boston, and was about seventeen miles from Portland, Me. 

William Bant continued to reside in the Bant IMansion. In 1754 he 
died. In his Will he divided his estate between his son, William Bant, who 
was born 1742, and his nephews and nieces, children of his deceased sister, 
Mary Bronsdon. 

Ezekiel Goldthwait, Esq., was made executor and gviardian of young 
Bant, who inherited from his father his books, plate, half of personal estate 
(the other half being devised to Benjamin and Bant Bronsdon, nephews), 
portraits of his father and himself (but his mother's portrait he gave to 
Mercy, daughter of Mary Bronsdon) and his gold watch. He ordered his 
entire landed property to be sold and the proceeds divided between William 
Bant and his Bronsdon relatives. He gave mourning rings to Hon. Josiah 
Willard, Esq., Rev. Ebenezer Pemberton and Samuel Mather. He released 
"brother Benjamin Bronsdon" from all claims on account of his or his 
father's Will. 

The Will was witnessed by Benjamin Mulberry, Richard Dana and 
Alexander Chamberlain, and a codicil was witnessed by John Durham, 
Joseph Bradford and Richard Dana. 

By the courtesy of Mr. John T. Hassam, we are furnished with a copy 
of his valuable historical contribution entitled " Suffolk Registers of Deeds." 
On page 27, in a foot-note, Mr. Hassam gives an account of the Bant- 
Goldthwait Estate, to which the reader is referred : 

" The buildings numbered 173-189 Hanover Street stand on the Bant- 
Goldthwait estate, some 20 feet of which was taken to widen Hanover 
Street." (See Goldthwait Geneal. for history and portrait of Ezekiel Gold- 
thwait.) 



APPENDIX I. 268 



"NYflmam 1)Ant» (Wim.iam-, Gilukkt'). 

William Baut' was a boy of 14 years wlien his fatli. r dicii. lit; went 
to live in the family of Ezekiel Goldthwait, his father's most valiictl frioml. 
He married, May 16, lG7o, by Rev. Jos. Sewall, D.D., a relative of Mrs. 
Goldthwait, Miss Mary Anne Lewis, daughter of Ezekiel Lewis, Escj., and 
grand-daughter of Jonathan Clarke. Mary Anne Lewis had two brothers, 
one of whom lived in Warren, Rhode Island ; the other, Jonatlian Clarke 
Lewis, lived in Boston and was a sea captain. .Mr. r>ant carried on l)usines8 
as a merchant in Dock Square. The Boston Eveninfj I'osf of Oct. 17, 1774, 
has his advertisement, as follows : 

"William Bant Begs leave to inform his friends customers and others 
that he has to sell by wholesale and retail at his store fronting Dock Square 
Boston. 

" A General Assortment of English and India Goods suita\)le for tlie 
approaching season the whole of which were imported before the 31*^ of 
August last. 

" A Great Variety of Cotton, Woolen and Silk Goods to be exchanged 
for an article more convenient to the advertiser, Casli." 

William Bant was a stanch patriot. When 17 years old he joined the 
^-'Anti-Stamp Fire Society," which combined politics with service. In 1769 
he was one of the " Sons of Liberty." He was on the famous Committee to 
prevent "Monopoly and Oppression" in 1774. He was a member of the 
'■'Independent Company" formed at Boston, Dec. 7, 1776. (See State 
Archives.) He was also interested in other ways in the public welfare, for 
we find his name as one of a Committee to Secure Subscriptions for tlie first 
street lamps in Boston, in 1774. 

Adino Paddock, the Royalist, left William Bant in charge of his affairs 
when he hurriedly left for Nova Scotia; and, later, proceeded to the Isle 
of Jersey, where he died in 1804, and is remembered in Boston chiefly in 
connection with the "Paddock elms," which he set out by the Common. 

Daring the British occupation the Lewis family withdrew to Rehoboth. 
Mrs. Bant was there with her father. (See Diary of Ezekiel Price.) ^Ir. 
Bant was also going and coming between that place and the army on 
" important business." Ezekiel Price was a cousin to the Lewises. 

Extracts from Price's Diary. 

"Aug. 8, 1775. At Attleborough. Got to Daggetts at Rehoboth about 
11 oclock forenoon. We all visited M'' Bant and lady, M" Gray and Ezekiel 
Lewis. Drank coffee." 

" Thursday, Jan. 6, 1776. M"" William Bant called here (Stoughton) 

on his way to the army &c." 



264 APPENDIX I. 



In 1777 John Hancock, in a note to the corporation of Harvard College, 
speaks of '•' Mr. William Bant my Attorney in Boston." (Given by Mr. W. 
G. Brown, in charge of the archives at Harvard University.) 

We find mention, in the newspapers of that period, of business trans- 
actions in which Mr. Bant was acting for John Hancock, who was at that 
time in New York attending Congress. 

The following extracts from Hancock's letters to his wife explain them- 
selves, and incidentally show in what estimation he held William Bant : 

York Town, Oct. 18"^ 1777. 
My Dear BiAly. 

My present Intention is to leave Congress in eight 
days but more particulars in my next. I shall hope & desire that you will 
meet me on the road. I have desired M'' Bant to accompany you in the 
carriage & when we meet he can take my sulkey and I return with you in 
the carriage to town. M'" Bant must hire or borrow a servant to attend you 
on horseback. My dear I hope your health will admit of your coming with 

me 

(signed) Johx Haxcock. 

Dover within 60 miles of Hartford. 
Saturday, one of Clock. 
8'" Nov. 1777. 

My Dear . . . What if you should on Monday set out to meet me 
on the Litchfield road and then if I am not able to reach Hartford on that 
day I shall have the satisfaction of seeing you on the road. If you think 
the ride will be too much for you I would not have you undertake it but I 
hope you will not ride many miles before we meet as I trust jVP' Bant is with 
you. My Reg'^^ to him and my best wishes attend him. 

(signed) Yours forever, John Hancock. 

William Bant was a member of St. John's Grand Lodge (Masonic) of 
Boston, the records of which have been published. Under date of Nov. 18, 
1769, his name is in a list of eighty or more brethren who were present at a 
dinner served at the " British Coffee House." He there offered a petition 
in behalf of " Bro'' Jon'* Clarke Lewis who in his passage from Ireland to 
Boston lost all he had by the Ship's foundering under him and taking to the 
Boat was after Several Days taken up by a Vessel bound to South Carolina 
and carried in there;" after due consideration, this business was put over 
until the " 23''<i Instant after Dinner." This Dinner on the 23rd of Novem- 
ber was nothing less than a part of the celebration incident to the Installa- 
tion of Grand Master John Rowe. 

At the banquet succeeding the procession (a grand affair, enlivened by 
" Bands of Musick ") " after the cloth was taken away and the Tables were 



APPENDIX I. ._),;.", 



properly covered lUu' Fitcli moved for tlie Consideratinn of the l»etition of 
Bro' William ]>,aut in behalf of Bro'" Jonathan Clarke Lewis refcrr" over to 
this time. Wlien the circumstances of the Affair were made known to tlie 
Brethren present it was immediately agreed tliat a Collection should be 
made forthwith Whereupon the Grand Secretary carried about a Hat to tlie 
Brethren in the Order as they sat and upon returning to his IMace found 
that he had gathered the Sum of Twenty-nine Pounds One Shilling and Four 
Pence Lawful JNIoney. 

''After this Affair . . . the Musick went on till Night when the 
Hall was finely illuminated by Seventy-two Candles in the Chandiliers and 
Sconsces and by Nine Large Candles in the Several Lodges Candlesticks." 
(See Eecords of the Grand Lodge of Mass., printed by Grand Recorder S. D. 
Nickerson.) 

William Bant did not live to see the close of the Revolutionary War. 
His health failed to such an extent that he was forced to remove to the 
country and went to Groton, where some of his wife's relatives were living. 
There he died, Nov. 27, 1780. 

This beautiful and tender tribute to his excellent character was pub- 
lished in the Continental Journal of Dec. 14, 1780. The author is unknown, 
but the enthusiasm of his style suggests Hancock as the writer. 



Obituary. 

'' On Monday the 27"> ult. died at Groton after a few days illness in the 
42'^ year of his age William Bant Esq. formerly an inhabitant of this town. 

"In this gentleman were united an uncommon assemblage of amial)le 
qualities. In his family he was a most affectionate and tender husband, the 
kindest master and the most affable and obliging friend. He possessed that 
share of good nature and ease of manners which rendered him agreeable at 
the very first acquaintance and by a sincerity — a frankness and generosity 
of mind he in an unusual degree won the hearts of those who more i)articu- 
larly knew him. 

"His actions were regulated by the strictest rules of honour and integ- 
rity. He used not to turn aside from beholding the sorrows of those around 
him. From his table the poor were often supplied with bread and by his 
purse the wants of the distressed were often relieved. 

"He was a zealous friend to the liberties antl independence and was 
much respected in that part of the country where, for the last eighteen 
months of his life, he has resided. 

"His death is a memento of the shortness and uncertainty of human 
life and should teach us who are the living so to number our days that we 
may apply our hearts unto wisdom. 

"He was taken away suddenly and in the prime of life. This is the 
consolation left his friends that he did not live unmindful of another state 
but to those who were connected with him he made the concerns of his 
immortal part the subject of much conversation. 



26^ APPENDIX 11, 



" His remains were interred the 29"' iilt. and followed to the grave by a 
large concourse of people who appeared to be deeply affected on the melan- 
choly occasion. 

" It may indeed be said that as in life he was beloved so at his death 
he is lamented by all who knew him. He has left behind him an amiable 
widow whose loss is inexpressible and can only be made up by a participa- 
tion of that good which religion affords." 

He left no children to perpetuate his virtues. His widow married at 
Groton, three years later, the Hon. Caleb Davis, Esq. (See Boston Gazette 
for Sept. 1, 1783.) She lived bat a short time, and we find in the Massa- 
chusetts Gazette of Jan. 16, 1787 : 

" Died. In this town (Boston) on Friday last (Jan. 12"^) Mrs. Mary 
Anne Davis, Consort of the Hon. Caleb Davis Esq." 

Mr. Davis was, in 1780, Speaker of the first Massachusetts House of 
Representatives. 



APPENDIX II. 
Ancestry of Abigail Baker. 

[Wife of John Box Bbonsdon, see No. (282), of Milton (p. 100).] 

Richard Baker^ the emigrant, arrived in Boston, Nov. 28, 1635, from 
London, in a " Norsey Barque" called the "Bachelor," which had cleared 
from Gravesend, below London, Eng., Aug. 18, 1635. He was master's 
mate, but came with the intention of remaining in the colony. (See Baker 
Geneal. by Edmund J. Baker, Esq.) 

Richard Baker was a man of superior mould and capacity. He had 
relatives in America who were prosi)erous and respected. He brought 
property from England himself. He settled in Dorchester and became 
influential in church and town matters, achieved wealth, and married into 
one of the leading families. He was a Proprietor in all town Divisions 
except the " Great Lots." He drew Lot No. 5 in the Milton (6th) Division, 
which he sold to S. Trescott. In 1639 Faith Withington was his wife. 

Richard Baker was made freeman in 1642 ; became a member of the 
Ancient and Honorable Artillery Co. in 1658. Nearly every year from 1642 
until 1685 he served as town officer, being Selectman in 1653. In 1668 he 
was elected Ruling Elder in the church, but declined to serve. He- died 
Oct. 25, 1689, and his wife Faith died Feb. 3, 1688-9. 

Faith was the daughter of Henry Withington, a prominent citizen of 
the town of Dorchester. He came to America in 1636. He was one of the 
six that signed the church covenant with the Rev. Richard Mather, 23, 6, 



APPENDIX ir. 201 



1636, and was soon after chosen Uulin^^ Klder, wliich (,llirc 1,,. UoM twenty- 
nine years. He was a Selectman in 16;!6 and -ratiU'e in puhlic lands in 

1637. He also drew '^jot Nnmber 9" in Milton in the Si.xth Divi.siun, 
which he sold to Robert Tncker, a noted settler in Milton, wlio hiiilt a liouse 
which is still standing, the oldest in Alilton, and is of great hi.storical interest 
to the town. (See p. 175, Milton History.) Hi.s first wife was Elizabeth. 
He died Feb. 2, 1666-7, aged 79 years. His grand-danghter, Hannah With- 
ington, married the son of John Ikiker^, who was Jolin ]?aker», Jr.; tlui.s 
Mrs. Abigail (Baker) Bronsdon is descended frnin fim <,f tiie cliildron of 
Elder Henry Withington. (For an account of this descent sec below, 
^' Third Generation.") Henry Withington liad no children by his second 
wife, Mrs. Marjorie (Tnrner) Paul, who was of " JMayflower " descent. 

Second Generation. The children of Richard' and Faith (Withington) 
Baker were eight in number. Of these children, John-', the second cliild, is 
the ancestor of Abigail (Baker) Bronsdon's descendants, and was b. Ai)r. 30, 
1643, in Dorchester, and m. Preserved Trott, July 11, 1(;67.* He lived at 
Savin Hill. His house was occupied as a barrack for American troops 
during the siege of Boston. He appears to have been an efficient townsman 
and served during a succession of years in different town offices. He died 
Aug. 26, 1690; his wife died Nov. 2o, 1711. Preserved Trott was the 
daughter of Thomas and Sarah (Proctor) Trott of Dorchester, and was born 
1646. Her father, Thomas Trott, sailed from liristol, Kng., May 23, 1635, 
in the "James." He was made freeman in 1641, and joined the church the 
same year; Selectman in 1646; bought house and three acres of land, four 
acres of swamp, and four acres in each of the three divisions; owned lift}' 
acres in all. He drew Lot No. 1 in Sixth Division, Milton, at Pine Tree 
brook (on Canton Avenue). The Trotts lived on Duncan Hill, afterward 
Spurr's, now Codman Hill. Thomas Trott was a respected citizen of Dor- 
chester. He died July 28, 1696, aged 82 years (although authorities differ). 
His wife was Sarah Proctor, died May 27, 1712, dau. of George and Edith 
Proctor, who came from England and settled in Dorchester. George Proctor 
was grantee in 1634, 1637 and 1656. He also drew a lot in Milton (Xo. 2), 
which he sold to Robert Babcock. He was town bailiff in 1612. 'I'he 
Proctors lived on the northeast side of Meeting-House Hill. 

The children of John Baker- and Preserved (Trott) Baker were ten in 
number, of whom John^, the third child, was born Nov. 25, 1761. lie was 
the ancestor of Abigail (Baker) Bronsdon. He m. Hannah Withington, 
May 16, 1708. His dwelling-house was situated on "the great country 
road," so called, now Washington Street in Dorchester. The house was 
occupied by descendants of John Baker down to a comparatively recent 

* Original record of marriage reads: " John Baker the son of M' Richard JJaker 
was married unto Preserved Trott by M"' Damfort of Cambridge the 11"' day of the 5"' 
mo. called July 1667." 



268 APPENDIX II. 



date. The region in the neighborhood was known as " Baker's Plain," and 
in 1748 the avenue was called " Baker's Lane." John Baker" owned exten- 
sive farming tracts in the vicinity. He died Oct. 9, 1746 ; his wife died 
Apr. 30, 1768, aged 82 years. 

The parents of Hannah (Withington) Baker were Capt. John Withing- 
ton, who commanded the Dorchester Company on the disastrous expedition 
to Canada in 1690, and his wife, Elizabeth Preston.* Capt. Withington was 
the eldest son of Deacon Richard Withington (only son of Elder Henry 
Withington) by his wife Elizabeth, daughter of Philip Eliot, brother of the 
famous "Apostle to the Indians," John Eliot. Philip Eliot's parents were 
Bennet and Lettice (Agar) Eliot. Hannah (Withington) Baker Avas born in 
Dorchester, Dec. 19, 1686. 

Children of John" and Hannah (Withington) Baker were seven in 
number. Of these children, the sixth, Elijah^ born May 14, 1720, was the 
father of Abigail (Baker) Bronsdon. He married Hannah Puffer of Stough- 
ton, Nov. 29, 1744. He removed to " Stoughtonham," now Sharon, Mass., 
and settled on the westerly side of that part of the "Bay road" which is 
the boundary between Sharon and Stoughton. (See History of Canton.) 
His dwelling-house still stands. Elijah Baker was a Minute Man in the 
Revolutionary War. He died Nov. 8, 1802 ; his wife died Apr. 6, 1806, 
aged 80 years. Hannah (Puffer) Baker was born Oct. 15, 1726. 



Puffer Ancestry of Abigail (Baker) Bronsdon. 

The original ancestor of the Puffers in America was Matthias Puffer, 
who was in Dorchester in 3 663. He married three times: first, Rachel 
Farnsworth of Braintree, Mar. 12, 1662, and she, Avith their oldest son, 
Joseph, was slain by the Indians at Mendon, where they were then residing. 
Matthias Puffer built a house on -'Blue Hill Plain" in 1690, having pur- 
chased 340 acres of land, besides having granted to him 220 acres. Rachel, 
his first wife, was the ancestress of Abigail Baker. His house stood on the 
corner of Washington and Blue Hill Streets, where John Davenport's house 
now stands. His life was an eventful one. (See History of Canton.) He 
died May 9, 1717. His second and third marriages were in the Everett and 
Crehore families. His oldest son, John-, married Mary Holbrook, Oct. 17, 
1695 ; she was probably dau. of John " Holebrook " of Roxbury and his 
wife, Elizabeth (Hemingway) Holebrook. The Holbrooks descended from 
Thomas Holbrook, who came over in the Hull Company. He was from 
Broadway, Essex Co., England. 

* Elizabeth Preston, b. 1653; d. Apr. IS, 1714; m. for her second husband, James 
White, on Feb. 13, 1696, whose first wife was the dau. of Richard and Faitli AVithington 
— Sarah, b. 1645. 



Al'l'KNDlX II. 



:!t;0 



John Putfer^ Jr, son of John^m.l Mary ^llok-bn.ok; I 'u IT..,-, was h Oct 
3, 1698; m. at Boston, Dec. II, 1725, Abigail, dan. of .Inl.n" an.l Sanih 
(Clapp) Vose of Milton, Mass. John A^ose' was tlie son of Kdwar.l Vose', 
and he of Robert VoseS who came from Lancasliiro, Kn-. UnU-v\ \-„.s..' wa.s 
b. about 1599 in Lancashire, Eng. ; d. in Milton, Mass., Oct. IC. ir.s;; iie 
was a man of note in the early days. He lived near tho j„nrti,.n of Canton 
Avenue and Brook road. He was one of the three petitioners for tho' inc.r- 
poration of Milton. His son, Edward Vose^ was b. K;;;*;. d. .laii. L'9, KIC. 

Clapp. 

Sarah Clapp^ who m. John Vose^, was the dan. of Ezra Clapp by his 
first wife, Abigail (Pond) C!lapp. Ezra Clapp' was b. May 22, 1G4(), in 
Dorchester; removed to Milton as early as 1667. He lived in the I'ond 
house, next the Rev. Peter Thatcher (see Thatcher's Diary), and was the 
" true and loving friend " of his pastor. Ezra Clapp d. Jan. 23, 1 7 1 7. He 
was the son of Deacon Edward Clapp of Dorchester, Selectman for many 
years. From the church records : 

"The 8th day of the 11th mo. 1664 being the Sabbath day. Deacon 
Edward Clapp departed this life and now resteth with the Lord there to 
spend an eternal Sabbath with God and Christ in Heaven after that he liad 
faithfully served in the office of a Deacon for the space of about five or six 
and twenty years." 

Deacon Clapp was the brother of Roger Clapp, who was among the 
most noted of the early Dorchester settlers. History gives a full account of 
Roger Clapp's participation for sixty years in matters civil, military and 
ecclesiastical in town and province. 



Pond. 



Abigail Pond, who m. Ezra Clapp', was probably the dan. of Robert 



Pond. 



All these were ancestors of Mrs. Abigail (leaker) I'.ronsdon. 

The tombstones of John'^ and Abigail (Vose) Puffer, tlie grandparents 
of Mrs. Abigail (Baker) Bronsdon, are at Canton, and inscribed as follows : 



Here lies buried the Body of 

John Puffer, who died Jan. 16, 1750, 

aged S5 y. — m. 6 d. 



Here lies buried the Body of 

Mrs, Abigail, loife of Mr. John Puffer 

who died Feb" 8,1774, in ye 73'' y. of her age 



270 APPENDIX III. 



APPENDIX III. 
Farrar Ancestry. 

[See Mrs. Patty (Farkar) Bronsdon (p. 155).] 

John^ and Jacob^ Farrar, brothers, settled, the first in Hingliam in 1635^ 
and in Woburn, 1655. Jacob settled in Lancaster and is the ancestor of the 
descendants of Mrs. Patty (Farrar) Bronsdon, wife of (285) Capt. Benjamin 
Bronsdon, who lived in Milton, j\lass. Jacob Farrar was an original pro- 
prietor of Lancaster in 1653, and was at that time about 30 years old. He 
had a wife, Ann, whom he married about 1640 and left in England with their 
four children and half his property until he had prepared a home for them 
in America. He sent for them, and they arrived in Lancaster in 1658. 
Jacob Farrar, Jr. (17 years old in 1659), assisted in marking the bounds of 
the town. (See Lancaster Town Records.) His wife brought £168 7s. 
with her. During King Philip's War the Indians destroyed Lancaster in 
1675. The sons of Jacob, Henry and Jacob, Jr., were killed. One remain- 
ing son, Joseph, and a daughter, Mrs. John Houghton, fled to Woburn with 
their parents to the home of John Farrar ; but Jacob did not long survive 
the terrible disaster to his home and family. He died Aug. 14, 1677, and 
his widow married John Sears of Woburn. 

Jacob Farrar, Jr., who was killed by the Indians, had married, in 1668, 
Hannah, dau. of George Hayward of Concord; she was born Feb. 20, 1647. 
She returned to her father's home in Concord after the massacre, and there 
married, second, Adam Holloway, Apr. 5, 1681, and third, Jonathan Furbush, 
Jan. 2, 1705-6. She had fovrr sons by Jacob Farrar^, one of whom, Jacob 
Farrar, 3d, m. Dec. 26, 1692, Susanna Rediate, b. Dec. 1, 1672; they lived 
in the north part of Concord, Mass., where he d. Apr. 29, 1722, and his 
widow d. March, 1738. They had eleven children. The third son was 

named John and he was b. Sept. 14, 1707; m. 1731, Mary . One of 

his brothers was killed in Lovewell's Fight at Fryeburgh, Me., and another 
taken prisoner at Fort Miller. 

John Farrar's son, John, Jr. (the second son), was b. June 25, 1741 ; 
m. Hannah l^rown of Concord, Mass., Aug. 13, 1765, and lived in Shrews- 
bury, jVIass. He was a " Taverner " and a INtajor in the Militia. He d. Jan. 
16, 1793. His widow m. Rev. Joseph Lee of Royalton, May 21, 1795. (See 
Columbian Centinel, Jan. 23, 1793, for obituai-y of Major Farrar.) His 
daughter Martha (Patty) was b. in Shrewsbury, Aug. 26, 1769 ; m. at her 
mother's home in Royalton by her stepfather. Rev. Jos. Lee, to Capt. Ben- 
jamin Bronsdon* of Milton. (See their history.) 

Mrs. Patty Bronsdon was very highly connected ; among her near rela- 
tives were Cliief Justice Farrar of New Hampshire, the last graduate of 



APPENDIX 1\- ANI> V. •_>; ] 



Harvard College under the Crown, Tiuf. S;uiiik'1 I'arrar of Harvard rnlli-K«'. 
Rev. Stephen Farrar of New Ipswioli, N. H., Kev. Jos. Farrar of Didilin! 
K H., Rev. George Farrar of Kaston, lier cousin Jonathan Farrar, Li.-ut. 
and Commander at the North ]h-idge, Concord, on the I'.ith oi April, 177;-., 
and several other cousins who were otticers in the army, and female cousins 
who had married among the highest in the land. I\Irs. Patty P.roiisdon was 
very beautiful and attractive, and made friends wherever she went. She 
was much beloved in JNfilton. 



APPENDIX IV. 
Mrs. Ruth ^Rich) Bronsdon's Ancestry. 

[See (287) William Broxsdon^ (p. 102).] 

The original American ancestor of Ruth Rich was Richard Rich\ The 
first notice of him is on Nov. 6, 1674, in a deed of land in the old Ports- 
mouth Records. He was a prominent man. He m. Sarah, daughter of Gov. 
Thomas Roberts, the last Colonial Governor of New Hampshire. Their .son, 
Richard Rich'-^, settled at Eastham, INIass., on Cape Cod, and had seven 

children, the third of whom, Richard^, m. Anne and settled in Truro. 

They had nine children, of whom the fourth, b. 1704, m. Ruth Collins. His 
name was Zaccheus^ and he had a family of eleven children, of whom the 
sixth was named Thatcher Rich^ and was bapt. June 17, 17o*.»; m. Jane 
Lombard, Apr. 19, 1764, and these were the parents of Ruth (Rich'^j Brons- 
don. Jane Lombard was b. Apr. 12, 1742, and was descended from Thomas 
Lombard, who came from England to Dorchester in 1630 and later removed 
to Yarmouth, on Cape Cod. She was descended, also, from Gov. Treat of 
Connecticut. (See Treat Geneal.) Thatcher Rich was captain of a merdiant 
vessel and made many foreign voyages. His house was in Truro, and is 
probably yet standing. It is pleasantly located " near the shore on Parment 
river." 



APPENDIX V. 
McDuffee Family. 

Mrs. Louisa (McDuffee) Bronsdon, who m. (312) Mr. Lewis V. lirons- 
don of Milton, Feb. 6, 1844, was b. Apr. 11, 1817, and was the dau. of John 
and Martha (Doak) McDuffee of Bradford, Vt. The families of both her 



272 APPENDIX VI. 



parents were of Scotch-Irish descent, and the first we find of the McDuffee 
name is in a book styled " Memoirs of Scotland." 

In Scottish history we trace the McDuft'ees to Shakspeare's tragedy of 
Macbeth, where the name was McDuff, and for his services to the King, 
McDuft' was rewarded by the gift of a large tract of land in the county of 
Fife, together with some other gifts from the crown, and "fee" was added 
to his name. About the year 1612 they appear in the north of Ireland, 
where "Matchless Martha" McDuffee saved a quantity of meal during the 
siege of the city of Londonderry in 1689, and freely distributed it to the 
starving people. "Matchless Martha" and her husband, John McDuffee, 
had several children, one of whom, Daniel McDuffee, emigrated to America 
with his wife and daughter in 1720, arriving safely in Boston, and in the 
Spring of 1721 settled, with other Scotch-Irish friends, in Londonderry, N.H. 

Daniel McDuffee's grandson, John McDutt'ee, was born in Londonderry, 
N. H., and when a young man removed to Bradford, Vt., where he owned a 
large tract of land and a ferry across the Connecticut Eiver. He followed 
the occupation of a civil engineer, and was a railroad pioneer," and made 
many surveys for the first railroads in America. John McDuffee was the 
father of Mrs. Louisa Bronsdon. 

Note. Mrs. Bronsdon died June 13, 1900, since tlie above was written. 



APPENDIX VI. 
Ancestry of Mrs. Lucius B. Marsh (See p. 123). 

]\[ank. 

Kichard Mann^ emigrated to America from Cornwall, Eng., before 1644. 
He settled at Scituate, where he owned an estate at Mann Hill, a beautiful 
but gentle rise of land bordering the seashore, and known by that name 

since 1648. It is supposed he m. about 1644, Rebecca , when he 

built his house, as his first child is recorded in 1646. In Feb., 1655, while 
crossing the pond from his own house towards the farms, he broke through 
the ice and perished in sight of his friends, who were unable to rescue him. 

Second Generation. Thomas Mann^ m. Sarah about 1668. They 

had eight children, of whom Thoitias Mann^, b. in Scituate, Apr. 5, 1688, 
m. Deborah Joy, Dec. 8, 1714. Their son, Thomas Mann'', was b. Nov. 26, 
1717, d. June 29, 1795. He was twice married : first, to Ruth Damon, Dec. 
30, 1742, d. 1743; second, to Deborah Briggs, Jan. 10, 1746, d. Feb. 16, 
1817. Thomas Mann^ was a sea captain. He was in the Russia trade, and 



APPENDIX \ 1. -JJ;', 



was master and part owner of a sliip until tlir War of tlio Kevolution. Ilr 
resided on tlie South Shore. He organized a coast guard eallcl the "Com- 
mittee of Inspection," Avliieh was under liis command. It -was composed of 
volunteers and rendered important service until the liritisli evacuated 
Boston, March 17, 1776. He became a wealthy man. His liou.se at Scituate 
Harbor, where he lived and died respected, is in a good state of preservation 
to this day. 

John Mann^, son of Capt. Thomas Mann\ was b. May 10, ITCI ; .1. June 
6,1841. He resided in Scituate all his lite. He was twice married. His 
first wife was Patience Rogers, whom he m. didy, 17.S1 ; she d. ]).•(•. M, 
1799. Their third child, John ^rann", was b. in Scituate, Nov. 1, 17.Sr); 
d. in Boston, Aug. 16, 1848. He m. Katherine Harrington, Nov. 30, 1809. 
She d. in Boston, Sept. 4, 1869. They had six children, all b. in Boston 
of whom Caroline E. Mann^ b. Mar. 9, 1820 ; m. July 5, 1842, Lucius B. 
Marsh. 

Harrington. 

The first of the line was Robert^ His was the last signature of the 
ninety persons who were the corporators of the town of Watertown, 1642- 
44. He then owned a homestead given to him by Thomas Hastings, and 
this renders it probable that he was a kinsman of Deacon Hastings. He 
m. Oct. 1, 1649, Susanna George ; she was b. 1632 and d. July 6, 1694. He 
d. May 17, 1707; his ^Yil], dated Jan. 1, 1704-5, being the day before 
the third marriage of his daughter Susanna. Sept. 28, 1685, he gave to his 
son Joseph fifty-five acres of land. It is thought that all the Harringtons 
of New England are descended from Robert Harrington. In his Will he 
names his sons and also his daughters, all of whom had been married, and 
Joseph, son of his son Joseph, and his daughter-in-law, Joanna Ward, the 
widow of Joseph. To his youngest living son, Edward^, he gave his home- 
stead. The Inventory of his estate included sixteen lots of land, 642| acres, 
appraised £717, and 250 acres of Oldham Farm. He had thirteen children, 
of whom Edward-, b. Mar. 2, 1668-9, m. first. Mar. 30, 1692, Mary Ocington, 
and m. second, May 24, 1727, Anna Bullard of Weston. Of their nine 
children, the fifth child, Edward^, b. June 17, 1702; m. Dec. 15, 1731, Anna 
Bullard, b. 1715. He d. Dec. 6, 1792 ; she d. Oct. 6, 1771. Of their six 
children, Jonathan*, the youngest, was b. Jan..l2, 1741-2 ; m. Dec. 20, 1764, 
Grace Hagar, she b. May 7, 1744, and d. Oct. 1, 1778. He m. second, 
Catherine, dau. of Ross Wyman, IMar. 10, 1779, and returned to Watertown, 
which he had left about 1768 to res. in Shrewsbury. Jonathan and Cath- 
erine had a son, Jonathan^ and six other children. Jonathan*, Sr., d. 
suddenly about 1796-7. His wife Catherine then m. Isaac Davis, son of 
Capt. Isaac Davis of Acton, who was killed in Concord fight, Apr. 19. 1775. 

18 



274 APPENDIX vri. 



In 1802 Mr. Davis and wife rem. to Solon, Me., with one or more of the 
children. 

Jonathan Harrington^, Jr., was b. IMar. 10, 1780, in Watertown, and 
d. 1825. He went to Boston about 1794 and was apprenticed to Hon. 
Jonathan Hunnewell, mason and builder. He became a member of the 
Charitable Mechanics Association in 1802, and was then its President. His 
brothers, Wyman^ and Ephraim Harrington*, also became members, and his 
sister, Katherine Harrington*, b. Mar. 31, 1789, d. Sept. 4, 1869, m. Nov. 
30, 1809, John Mann, and was the mother of Mrs. Lucius Bolles Marsh. 
See No. (434). 

Note. The history of Jonathan Harrington^ during his residence in Shrewshury 
is very interesting. We read in the Colonial Archives, State House, Boston, tliat Jona- 
than Harrington of Shrewsbury was Sergeant in Capt. Job Cushing's company on the 
inth of April, 1775; they marched to Cambridge and served 22 days; also Jonathan 
Harrington of Shrewsbury in Capt. Wright's company, Aug. 19th; year not given, 
probably 1775; third, Jonathan Harrington of Shrewsbury was chosen Second Lieu- 
tenant by the town of Shrewsbury and accepted by Council, Apr. 17, 1776, in Capt. Asa 
Eice's company in the Worcester Piegt. (Shrewsbury Co.). 

These enlistments were only for a short period. There can be no doubt that this 
is the Jonathan Harrington who was b. in Watertown, Jan. 12, 1741-2, and in 1678 
removed with his family to Shrewsbury, Mass., but returned in 1779, where he d. in 
Ai^ril or early in May, 1703. 54 years old. He had purchased a nice farm and buildings 
in Acton and was about to remove thither, when he died. By exposure he took a severe 
cold, from the effects of which he died — probably contracted pneumonia. His Will was 
dated Apr. 18, 1793, and appointed his wife, Catherine (Wyman) Harrington as Execu- 
trix. His property was appraised at £684 : 19. His Will and other papers relating to 
his estate are to be found in Middlesex Co. Probate Office, Cambridge, Mass. 



APPENDIX VII. 
Loring Family (See p. 136). 

Ancestry of John Gould Loring. 

The name of Loring is said to be derived from the French Lorraine. 
The ancestor of John Gould Loring who married (300) Elizabeth Box Brons- 
don, was Thomas Loring, who came from Axminster, Co. Devon, England, 
Dec. 23, 1634, accompanied by his wife, Jane (Newton) Loring. They 
remained for a time in Dorchester, but settled in Hingham in 1635, where 
he was made " freeman." He was a Deacon in the church at Hingham, and 
had several children born in that town. In 1645, his dwelling having been 
destroyed by fire, he removed to Hull, where he d. Apr. 4, 1661. 



APPENDIX VIII. 275 



Second Generatio7i : 
Benjamin Lorinf (Thomas^), b. in Hiugham, Nov. L'l, Kill; m. Mury 
Hawke of Hinghani, Dec. 8, 1070. 

Third Generation: 
Samuel Loriw/ (Benj.^, Thomas^), b. in Hull, 1080 ; m. Apr. 10, I7j(;, Jane, 
dau. of John and ]\Iaiy Collier. 

Fourth Generation, : 
Samuel Loring* (Saml.^, Benj.^, Thomas^), b. Feb. 3, 1720 ; ni. Jane, dau. of 
Joseph and INIary (Prince) Guuld. 

Fifth Generation. : 
Samuel Lorimf (Saml.'*, Saml.^, Benj.^, Thomas^), b. Nov. 9, 1753 ; m. Dec. 
11, 1783, Huldah, dau. of John and Huldah (Brewster) Goold of 
Duxbury. These were the parents of Deacon John (lould Loring, 
who m. Elizabeth B. Bronsdon of Milton, 1821. 

Huldah Gould, the mother of Deacon John G. Loring, was descended, 
on her father's side, from Lieut. Robert Goold, and on her mother's side as 
follows: Huldah (Gould) Loring^, Huldah (Brewster) GoukP, William 
Brewster^, Jr., Deacon William Brewster^, Sr., Love B)rewster- and Elder 
William Brewster^, the pilgrim, who w^as b. in England, 15G0, landed at 
Plymouth, Dec. 22, 1G20, and d. in Duxbury, 1644, aged 84 years. 



APPENDIX VIII. 
Parker (See p. 148). 

Capt. Creighton Whitmore Barker'', Sen., who ni. Apr. 4,1848, IMargaret 
M. Bronsdon of Milton, see No. (485), w\as b. on the top of Fort Hill, Boston. 
His father, William®, was also a sea captain, Avho sailed mostly to the West 
Indies. Creighton W. Parker was a pupil at the Boylston School, and later 
at a School of Navigation. He worked up from cabin boy to the command 
of a ship. Among the vessels of which he was master were the " Mohawk " 
and the •' Daniel Sharp." During the Civil War shipping became very dull. 
Capt. Parker was offered the position of first officer on the '-'Agnes" for 
Singapore, by his friend, Capt. Gorham F. Bassett. Capt. Bassett wished 
to remain \n Singapore, and it was agreed that Capt. Parker should bring 
the ship back to Boston ; but this could not be done on account of tlie deatli 
of Capt. Parker in the Straits of Rio, of Java fever. Consequently, Capt. 
Bassett returned and brought the sad tidings to Mrs. I'arker, who liad 



276 APPENDIX IX. 



expected to accompany her husband, witli their two little sons, on the next 
voyage to India around Cape Horn. Capt. Bassett sailed again, in I860, for 
India in a new ship, " The Java," which sailed away into the unknown. 
Her fate was never ascertained, and remains one of the tragic mysteries of 
the ocean. 

Capt, Parker was of Revolutionary ancestry. His grandfather, Josiah 
Parker^, Jun., was b. Nov. 20, 1760, at Natick ; d. Nov. JO, 1801, in Boston. 
He m. Aug. 18, 1784, Susanna Bender, who was great aunt to Greenough 
the sculptor. Josiah Parker^, Jun., was a member of Trinity Church, Boston. 
He had served a three years' enlistment in the Revolutionary Army in 
Crane's Artillery (see State Archives). Susanna, his wife, received a pen- 
sion (see list of 1840). The father of Josiah Parker^, Jun., also served in 
the army, and a brother, Oliver, who afterward emigrated to Frankfort, Me. 

Josiah Parker*, Sen., was b. at Newton, May 7, 1722, and was son of 
Noah^ and Sarah (Cummings) Parker and grandson of NathanieP and Mar- 
garet (Wiswall) Parker. Nathaniel'^ and Noali^ Parker were among the 
original owners of the mills at Newton Upper Falls, in the 17th century. 
They descended from SamueP and Sarah (Homan) Parker of Dedham. (See 
Jackson's History of Newton and History of Cambridge.) 



APPENDIX IX. 
The Vallette Family (See p. 162). 

The Vallettes were French Huguenots who sought an asylum in Amer- 
ica after the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes in 1689. Some of the 
Vallettes came direct from New Rochelle, France, the port from whence 
many fugitives embarked ; others were in England with their leader, the 
Rev. Francis Bridon, who afterward came to Boston. There are different 
forms of spelling — Valet, Vallet, Vallete, Vilatte, Vallade, etc. ; but Vallette 
is doubtless correct. 

In the year 1702, under date of May 18th, Robert Livingston of New 
York wrote Fitz John Winthrop a letter in which we find mention of a 
Vallett : 

" Hon'''' Sir. 

Yesterday arr. from Surinam Jacques Vallett, a Frenchman and 
Inhabitant here. He brings news of King William's death." 

This is the Jacques Vallett who was in New York as early as 1699, and 
who married Judith Archambault. Possibly he came from France by way 
of the West Indies, remaining in the islands for a time. 



Al'l'KNDlX IX. 277 



" Pierre Vallete and a brotlier (Christian naiur unkimwii) left lM-anf(5 
together, Pierre for conscience' sake, luiL liis brother, who was a Konian 
Catholic, whatever his purpose was, wont to the West Indies." Tliis is 
according to a statement by a connection of Pierre Vallete's descendants. 
Pierre Vallete married Mary, the daugliter of Augustus Jay, wlio had left 
France for the same reason as I'ierre. They had children— Ktienne, born 
Mar. 23, 1723-4, and died Sept. 29, 1731; Angnste, born Mar. T, or S, 
1726-7 ; Pierre, born July 27, 1729, no record of deatli ; Anne, died young, 
and Etienne, born July 5, 1737, died June 7, 1739. 

Pierre or Peter Vallete died Dec. 9, 1752, and liis wife died June o, 
1762. He was a merchant, owned slaves, and was prosperous and respected. 
John Ptoland, whose Will is in Suffolk Probate Registry, made Peter Vallet 
of New York, merchant, executor of his Will in 1721. John Poland was a 
Boston merchant. In 1761 Peter Vallade, or Valard, was a voter in New 
York City. Vallete portraits and heirlooms are in possession of tlie Clark- 
son family of New York. In Boston the marriage is recorded of Peter 
Vallade and Mary Elizabeth Delo (De I'Eau), May 28,175]. These were 
probably the parents of David Valet, a soldier of the Revolutionary War. 

In the Archives at the State House, Boston, we lind the war record of 
David Valet, or Vallet, as follows : 

"David Vallet, Boston, Private, Capt. Bliss, Col. Patterson, Aug. 1, 
1775. Enlisted, May 1, 1775. Service 3 mos. 6 days." 

Also : 

" David Valet. Rank of Matross. Muster and payroll of Capt. Jon. 
Stoddard, Col. Thos. Crafts' Regt. Artillery. Enlisted from May 8, 1777, 
to July 8, 1777." (See Vol. 38,'^p. 56.) 

Also : 

"David Vallet, cooper. State Brigantine, Hazard. Enlisted June 27, 
1778, discharged Oct. 16, 1778. Service 3 mos. 19 d. Commanded by Capt. 
J. F. Williams." 

Also : 

" Ship Protector. David Vallet, cooper. Time of enlistment Aug. 18, 
1780. Service of 8 mos. 17 d. Commanded by Capt. Williams. Reported 
captured May 5, 1781. Roll made up to time of capture of the vessel or 
date of return from captivity on Aug. 14, 1782." 

Fifteen months in an English prison ! 

"David Vallet. Ship Protector, Capt. J. P. Williams, Dec. 11, 1782." 
" Ship Protector, Capt. (Lt.) Lemuel W^eeks, Oct. 3, 1782." 
Doubtless served until the end of the War. 



278 APPENDIX IX. 



David Vallette was a '< mariner" by occupation. He was well respected 
and one of those who sacrificed worldly advancement and prospects in the 
struggle for Independence. He married in May, 1774, Miss Abigail (Nabby) 
Milliken, daughter of Thomas Milliken and Sarah (Thompson). Mr. Mil- 
liken was a member of the celebrated St. Andrew's Lodge of Free Masons, 
which was the lodge to which Paul Kevere belonged. Mr. Milliken was 
Treasurer of the lodge and served on important committees, but on the out- 
break of hostile feeling he fled to Maine, and later to New Brunswick, but 
finally returned to Maine, where he had an estate, but never again set foot 
in his beloved native city. (See Eid Ion's " History of Saco Valley Settlers " 
for the descendants of Thomas Milliken and ancestry of the Milliken family, 
whose original ancestors were Hugh and "Ellison" Milliken of Boston.) 
When Mr. Milliken left Boston, he confided the care of his property to his 
daughter Abigail, who had recently married David Vallette. Abigail was 
the oldest of his children by his first wife, while by a second wife he had 
several very young children. Two of these (girls) and James Milliken, 
afterward wounded at Banker Hill, remained with their sister. 

Mr. Vallette, Avho was a mariner, Avent away on a sea voyage, and about 
three weeks later the Milliken residence in Fish Street, near Mountfort's 
Corner, was destroyed by fire. A graphic story of this misfortune appeared 
in the Transcript about fifty years ago, written by a daughter of Mrs. 
Vallette, no doubt. A contemporary account is as follows : 

"Aug. 10 1774. At or about this time a fire happened at midnight in 
a large brick dwelling house in Fish Street opposite Glidden's Shipyard, 
North End. It consumed the inside of a building and one house adjoining 
it. The flames were so sudden and so rapid as immediately upon discovery 
to communicate with the staircase and prevent the escape of those who 
occupied the chambers unless by leaping from the windows, which some did. 
The number lost was three women and two children burned to death." 

Mrs. Vallette showed great heroism and presence of mind, first throw- 
ing her little sister into the arms of ])ersons below and then leaping from 
the window herself. Friends received them until the first edge of their 
distress was somewhat dulled. Mrs. Vallette related in after years that 
nothing gave her a keener pang than to notice, among the ruins of their 
home, the burnt and twisted cage of her pet parrot. Mr. Vallette had 
brought it to her from a foreign land. Little Polly Milliken had been away 
among friends the night of the fire. In after years she married a Mr. Read. 
It was to a Lexington family named Reed that Mrs. Vallette finally went, 
as many of her friends were leaving town in consequence of various 
unpleasant encounters of the inhabitants and the British troops. What 
occurred there is best told by quoting a letter written to the Transcript 
some time during the middle of last century : 



APPENDIX IX. 



279 



*'In 17 i 5, April, Mrs. Vallette and lier fiieinl, Mrs. |;<.<',1, Nvere sittinij 
m the evening m tlieir home in Lexington over a lew dyiiifr eniherf. with 
their infants m their arms. The ck)ck liad struck .'h-vi'ii. (iuns liad been 
heard through the day — the iiring had ceased and they sat talking of the 
penis of the day when Mrs. Reed remarked, ' Hark, I hear a footstep ! ' 

"'It is only the rustling of the trees and we will not ho. needlessly 
alarmed,' answered Mrs. Vallette. 

" Just then a rap was heard at the door. 

" ' Who is there ? ' called Mrs. Reed in tremulous tones. 

" ' Friends,' replied a low voice speaking through the hole wliere the 
cord had been drawn in to prevent the lifting of the latch. 

" They immediately opened the door and three men entered in profound 
silence, each muffled in a long cloak. 

'' ' Do not be alarmed, ladies, said one. 'We are friends to our country 
and are pursued by the enemy. We have hid in the woods tlirou<^h the day 
and have now come to seek your bounty and a shelter for the night.' 

" ' And that you should have with all my heart,' said Mrs. Reed, whose 
countenance brightened up when she found that instead of the divaded 
•enemy her guests were those distinguished patriots, John Hancock, Samuel 
Adams and Paul Revere." 

Note. Mrs. Vallette, at least, must have known Paul lievere well, as they attended 
the same church and he was her father's friend. 

" Mrs. Reed continued, ' You would not be safe here a minute. Why, 
the Redcoats are prowling about us in every direction. They were here 
only yesterday eating up all my pies and bread and cheese, and because they 
could not find enough at my neighbors' to satisfy them, they must needs rip 
open their beds and leave their cider running out.' 

" ' G-entlemen,' said Mr. Hancock to his companions, 'what shall we do, 
for it is certain it is not safe here.' 

" They looked at each other, but did not speak: 

" ' Have you any neighbors where we might find safety for the night ? ' 
asked Mr. Hancock. 

" 'None except my father,' replied ]\[rs. Reed, 'who lives five miles off 
the main road. It would be dangerous for you to go by the road, and you 
would not find your way through the woods, and we have neither man nor 
boy to guide you. They have all gone to fight the Redcoats.' 

" 'Will you stay alone and mind my baby while I go and show these 
gentlemen the way?' asked Mrs. Vallette of her friend. 

"She answered, 'I will do so, although it is sad to be alone in such 
dangerous times ; but you must not go, you are lame, you never walked a 
mile in your life, you must not think of going on this wet night.' 

" Mrs. Vallette made no reply. She knew there was not a minute to be 
lost, so laying her infant in the arms of her friend, she wrapped her riding 
■cloak around her and desired the gentlemen to follow her. 

" When they saw this deformed little woman, not over four feet high, 
prepared to walk a distance of over three miles, they looked at each other 
in mute astonishment, but not a word was spoken, for the case was desperate. 

" Mrs. Vallette taking the offered arm of INIr. Hancock, they went for- 
ward, the two other gentlemen bringing up the rear. The rain, which had 
fallen for some days previous, had so filled the brooks that the gentlemen 



280 APPENDIX IX. 



were at times obliged to lift Mrs. Vallette over them. Thus wading and 
walking, they reached the farm house about 3 o'clock in the morning. 

" No sooner had they aroused the family and made known who they 
were and what they wanted, than every individual was np and in motion, 
and even the dog tried to show them that they should find protection by his 
gestures. 

" A blazing fire soon shone forth and a plentiful repast was provided^ 
and notwithstanding the gloominess of the times, a degree of cheerfulness 
and even humor pervaded the little company. At early dawn a carriage 
was provided to convey Mrs. Vallette home to her infant. Mr. Hancock 
politely lifted her into the carriage and said, 'Madam, our first meeting has 
been in troublous times. God only knows when these scenes will end, but 
should we survive the struggle, and you should ever need a friend, think of 



me.' " 



The narrative, as given by Mrs. Vallette's daughter, may be incorrect 
in some minor particulars, having been written from memory. The heroine 
of the adventure died in 1798, when her daughter was but 11 years of age. 
The main feature of the story, the fact that Mrs. Abigail Vallette did act as 
guide to Hancock and Adams to a place of safety, has been preserved in the 
traditions of the Vallettes, who went to Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1814, and who- 
knew not that such, a story had ever been published. The niece of Mrs. 
Vallette is still living and vouches for the truth of the leading event. This 
lady is a sister of the late Judge Milliken of Scarboro, Maine. He visited 
the daughters of Mrs. Vallette at Eoxbury, and learned the particulars from 
them of their mother's adventure. Mrs. Vallette was injured by a fall in 
childhood. She was never strong, and died of consumption, at the age of 45 
years. Her husband, David Vallette, had died in 1788. 

David and Abigail (Milliken) Vallette had five children : 

An infant, b. in the winter of 1775, d. young. 

-Twins -! -^f?''^^' bapt. at Christ Church, Feb. 2, 1779. 
( Abigail, ^ 

Peter Vallette, bapt. at Christ Church, Aug. 3, 1783. 

Mary Milliken Vallette, b. 1787, d. Feb. 26, 1868, aged 81. 

David died young. Abigail m. Benjamin Warren of Roxbury ''by Rev. 
John Eliot, D.D., July 3, 1801." Peter " Vallett" m. (601) Harriot A. S. 
Bronsdon "by Rev. Thomas Baldwin, Oct. 19, 1806." Mary Milliken 
Vallette resided with her sister, Mrs. Warren, in Roxbury. They are buried 
in the old Warren Street Cemetery. Mrs. Warren died Nov. 21, 1851, leav- 
ing son, Henry Vallette Warren, and other children. 



APPENDIX X. 281 



APPENDIX X. 
Box Family (Soo ].. L'O'.m. 

[The following general information regarding the Hox Family in Knglaml and 
America has been colloctetl from various sources, lioth puhlic and private, such as tlie 
Genealogist, Vol. I, 1877, "The Visitation of London, lotiS," various I.DUihin parish 
registers, town and church records of Boston, State Archives of Massacliusetls, leltem 
from members of the Box Family residing in England, etc.] 

In 1284 Martin Box was Sheriff of London, ;ui(l in IL'T;") Henry 15oxe, 
probably the Sir Henry de Boxe, Knight, who is mentioned in tlie roll of 
arms, temp. Ed. II, published in Palgrave's Parliamentary Writs, amongst 
the Knights of Sussex and Surrey, as bearing <'0r, a bend arg. between six 
lioncels gules." Sir William Box was Lord Mayor of London time of Eliz- 
abeth, and a pedigree of the family is in "Visitation of London, loGS." 

The family would seem to derive its name from the manor of Box or 
Boxbury in Stevenage, County of Herts, where William de Boxe, in IIGG, 
held two and a quarter Knights' fees of Ilobert de Valoigns (Clutterbuck's, 
Herts II, 295). 

Multitudes of Box Family records are in print. We select a few : 

The Visitation of London, 1568. 

[Vol. I, p. 10.] 

Boxe. 

Arms azure. A lion passant argent between three griffins' heads 
erased or, 

William Boxe Esq. 

Alderman of London = Anne daur of Henry Philipps of London, haber- 
dasher. 

Children : 

Wm. Boxe, sonne & hey re. 

Edw. Boxe 2 sonne 

Thos. Box 3 sonne 

Martha m. to Eobt Fourth alias Ford. 

Book of Family Chests. Vol. 2. 
The Family Crest of Box is a demi-griffin, or winged arg. holding 
between the claws a fire ball 

— a demi-griffin, or winged arg, the first feather gold, holding between 

the claws a fire ball , , . , «• i 

— an arm couped at the elbow lying jesswise, habited qu. cuffed ar. 
holding in the hand ppr. a branch of box vert, and at the elbow another 
branch. 

Note. The griffin and (ire ball was the crest of the English relatives of John 
Box of Boston. 



282 APPENDIX X. 



Box Coat of Arms. Single Coat. 
A dove with cross in its bill is the crest. (See " Visitation of London.") 

Abstract of Will of ^Mary Hankenson, Widow, 
OF London, England. 

Proved Sept. 1640. To her two sons John & Anthony Box and their 
two wives Anne & Joane Box and children of son John Box, viz*. Hester, 
Anne, Mary & Elizabeth Box, grandchild Nathaniel Box and over and above 
to John Box in token of motherly love to him £5 more for the duty and 
respect he hath always shewn me and to Ann his wife my best embroidered 
gloves. John Box to be Executor. 

Elizabeth Juxon widow of Mr. Thomas Juxon late Merchant Taylor of 
London 1637 sister of above gives bequests to John and Anthony Box. 

A third sister, Lady Hester Pye, wife of Sir Walter Pye, gives in her 
Will, 1612, bequests to her " cousins " (nephews) John and Anto: Box. The 
first husband of Lady Pye was Ellis Crispe, and they had son, Sir Nicholas 
Crispe. (See iV. E. Hist, and Gen. Magazi7ie, 1899.) 

Note. There is little doubt that John Box of Boston was grandson of the above 
mentioned John Box. 

1272 temp. Edw. I. Martin Boxe and Henry Boxe were witnesses to 
the Grant of Richard, son of Richard de Exemue, formerly citizen of 
London, to John de Cantuar. 

Bnr*^ Oct. 12, 1614, Clares wife of Robert Boxe the Keeper of Hide 
Park." (Kensington Parish Reg.) 

Visitation of Oxford. 

[P. 319.] 

John Hampshire, Harbinger and gent, of the Leech to I. Eliz to Joane 
•daur. of Phillip Box of AVitney whose wife was Dorothy Payne. Their son 
Thomas Box m. Elizabeth Rankell. 

Harleian Manuscripts. 

London. Sir Ralph Box, citizen and mercer. Master of that company 
Knighted at Whitehall, 25 Octo. 1689. 

Pennsylvania Family of Box. 

Mr. William Williams Box, a lawyer in London, and whose address is 
46 Lambolle Road, Belsize Park, N.W., London, England, has sent us the 
history of the Box Family of Cornwall, a maritime county of the southwest 
of England. There appear to be two branches of the Box family, one which 
took its name from the Manor of Box or Boxbury in Stevenage, Co. Herts, 
in 1166, and the other settled in Cornwall and was descended from the 
German Bockse. 



APPENDIX X. 283 



Mr. W. W. Box writes as follows : 

" From enquiries made at the Herald's office some years a^o, we con- 
jectured that we were of (ferman ori<,an, fur tliis reason : It aiTpcars that 
three German brothers came over and settled in Enf,'land between .'JOO and 
400 years ago — one of them, it is believed, settled in Cornwall. Tliere is a 
crest, but we never use it. The Device is a Griffin ram])ant and holdintr a 
ball of fire." 

This is the crest common to all the Box Families in England, and the 
one claimed by John Box of Boston, ropemaker, as belonging to his family 
in England. 

William Box of Cornwall, b. about 1750, m. a ]\Iiss Tape. They lived 
near Marham Church, Cornwall. His son, Daniel Box, m. Sarah Bider. 
He d. 1850. Daniel Box came to America in 1850 and settled in I'enn- 
sylvania; his son William at Bethany, Pa., son John IJox at Holmesdale, 
Pa., Thomas at Middle Valley, Pa., Henry William Box at I'.utTalo, N.Y. 
(a lawyer), Alfred Box of White Mills, Pa., and Samuel Box of Bethany, Pa. 

Mr. Henry W. Box of Buffalo, IST.Y., wrote us of a remarkable coinci- 
dence that had occurred in his experience : 

''After Mr. Fillmore was President he went abroad, I think in 1858, 
and while in London he purchased Maurice's 'Indian Antiquities ' (East 
India) in seven volumes. ]\Ir. Fillmoi-e lived in our city, and I belonged to 
one or two societies where he was a member; however, no mention was 
made of the purchase of these books. He died and his library went to his 
son, Powers Fillmore, and in course of time Powers Fillmore died and the 
library was sold at auction. Without seeing the books I purchased Mau- 
rice's ' Indian Antiquities,' and when I opened the book I discovered by the 
book mark that at some time they were owned by my ancestor, John M. 
Box. The book mark had our crest, coat of arms and motto, namely, ' Sine 
metu.'* The books were nearly 100 years old, and I confess it was gratify- 
ing to know that some of my name were reading at that time."t 



Box Records — Revolutionary Soldiers. 

Benjamin Box, Falmouth, Cumberland Co., enlisted in Continental 
Army. 

Caleb Box, Bridgewater, Private in Capt. Danl. Lothrop's Co., Col. 
John Barton's Regt., Aug. 1, 1775. Enlisted, May 3, 1775; served 3 mo. 
6 d. 



* Sine metu — Without Fear. 

t Mr. William W. Box has sent us two handsomely arranged genealogical sheets 

containing all the descendants of William Box and Pape since 1750. A copy of 

these records will be deposited with the X. E. Historical-Genealogical Society, Somerset 
Street, Boston, Mass. 



284 APPENDIX X. 



Caleb Box, return of Men enlisted, into Continental Army from Capt. 
Abram Washburn's Co., 3d Plymontli County Kegt., dated Feb. 1, 1778^ 
residence Bridgewater, aged 20, joined Capt. Cooper's (also given Capt. 
Wadswortli and Capt. John Peters) Company, Col. Michael Jackson's Regt. 
Enlistment for 3 yrs. 

Caleb Box, Bridgewater, Private, Capt. Noah Allen's Co., Col. Calvin 
Smith, late Wigglesworth's Regt. Continental Army per accts. for service 
from Mar. 27, 1777, to Mar. 3, 1778. Reported died Mar. 3, 1778, also 
muster roll for March, 1778, dated Valley Forge. Enlistment for 3 years. 

Enoch Box, Falmouth. List of men enlisted into Continental Army for 
Cumberland Co., year not given. Enlisted for town of Falmouth. 

Joseph Box, Lexington. List of men enlisted into Continental Army 
for town of Lexington, year not given. 



Box Family in Virginia. 

Ann Box in ship "Prosperous" for Virginia, David Fogg Capt., May G, 
1679. 

John Box for Virginia in ship " True Love," aged 23 years, in 1<322. 
John Box, one of the Corporators of Elizabeth City, had one hundred acres 
by patent. 

Box of Chaplain's Choise in Muster of Inhabitants of Charles Cittie & 
the Trudores Co. taken Jan. 21. 1624. 



Box Family in Boston — jNIakriages. 

Feb. 1, 1745. Saml. Richardson and Elizabeth Box. 
Mar. 11, 1764. Rich : Shillings and Mary Box. 
Oct. 1788. Rich : Skillings and Sally Box (perhaps widow). 
In 1790 Richard Skillings, Blockmaker, lived in Boston with 5 males 
and 3 females in family. 

The Canadian Family of Box is nearly related to the Pennsylvania Box 
Family. Samuel Box, son of Thomas and Eliza (Burroughs) Box, b. 1750 
at Marham Church, England, settled near Toronto, Can. He m. first, 
Charlotte Hockaday ; second, Kate Vinning. Had George, Muriel, Emily, 
Charles, Philip, Albert and Annis. The daughter of Philip and Jane (Lord) 
Box was Annie Eliza Box, b. Jan. 8, 1842 ; m. David Choate, a descendant 
of John Choate of Wenham, Mass, and lived at Ingersoll, Can. 



APPENDIX KI A:sI) XII. 285 



APPENDIX XI. 
Brinsdon Family in America. 

John Brinsdon^ was b. 1820 at Powderliain, near the city of Kxmouth, 
Devonshire, England, and emigrated to the United States and d. in 1S72 at 
Columbus, S. C. He was a civil engineer, lie had a son, Edward West 
Brinsdon-, who was b. in New York State in 1844 and is at present living in 
Kansas City, Mo. ; also a daughter, Maud A. r.rinsdon"'^, who res. in New 
York City. 

H. H. Brinsdon^ is the son of Edward W. Brinsdon^ and with wife, 
Mabel, res. in Kansas City, Mo. He is a "merchandise broker" and lias a 
family, a son born Jan. 25, 1899, and perhaps others. 

This family have undoubtedly the same English origin as the P.ronsdons. 



APPENDIX XII. 
Hoskins (See p. 224). 

From Nuremburg, Germany, says Admiral Sir Anthony Hoskins of 
London, came to England an Earl named Hoskins who became the founder 
of the English family. In Nuremburg to-day the name is borne by persons 
of distinction. This name has been and now is spelled in various ways, as 
Hoskyns, Hosken, Hosking, Hauskins, Hoaskins, Horskins, Hoskines, Hos- 
kin, Hoskyn, Huskings and Haskins. 

The arms of the different branches vary but little, the shield bearing 
a chevron engrailed, or between three lions rampant argent. Sir John Hos- 
kins' arms differ from Sir William's, in that the shield is surmounted by a 
helmet, both being placed upon the palmer's scallop shell. The crest of tlie 
Herefordshire branch is a ducal coronet, from which rises a lion's head 
with flames of fire issuing from its month. The crest belonging to the 
other branches is a cock's head, erased or pellethe, beaked, combed and 
wattled gules between two wings extended. The motto is " J'irtiite non 
verbis.''^ As nearly as can be discovered by researches made upon this side 
of the water, the homes of the different branches of the family seem to 
have been in the counties of Surrey, Dorset, and Herefordshire, also in 
London. Among them are found "all sorts and conditions of men," from 
Knights of high degree to poor old Thomas Hoskins, who in 1710, was 
buried from the London Workhouse. Land owners of large estates. 



286 APPENDIX XII. 



husbandmen, lawyers, clergymen, merchants, admirals and captains, both in 
military and merchant service, are found as we look through the pages that 
give glimpses of the family history. Two, at least, were knighted for dis- 
tinguished legal service, of whom. Sir John, grandson of Judge Hoskins, 
was the most noted. Granger's Biographical History of England, thus 
speaks of him : 

''He was well known as a Master in Chancery, was skilled in the 
knowledge and practice of that Court, and deservedly esteemed for his 
invincible integrity in the discharge of his office. He was much better 
known, however, to the world, as a philosopher, than a lawyer, especially 
in the latter part of his life, when he devoted the greater part of his time 
to experiments. He was much admired for his general knowledge, and his 
ease, and openess in the communication of it. There was nothing at all 
promising in his appearance, for he was hard-favored, affected plainness in 
his garb, walked the streets with a cudgel in his hand, and an old hat 
over his eyes. He was often observed to be in a reverie, but when his 
spirits were elevated over a bottle, he was remarkable for his presence of 
mind and quickness of apprehension, and became the agreeable and instruc- 
tive companion. He was president of the Royal Society in 1682." 

This, in all probability, was the Sir John Hoskins of Harewood, Here- 
fordshire, to whom, in the reign of William and Mary, was granted " all 
those islands called Ascension, Trinidad, and Martin Vaz, to him, his heirs 
and assigns forever, yielding and paying the fourth part of the profits of 
all monies of gold and silver weight in the said islands, on the fifth of 
November yearly, to be holden of the Manor of East Greenwich in socage,, 
and not in capite, nor by Knight's service." 

Sir Edmund Hoskins, a lawyer of note and Sergeant-at-Law, was 
Knighted in 1660. 

Sir William Hoskins, Knight, was heir to the three sons of Sir Edmund,, 
they all dying without issue. 

The Herefordshire branch of the family, which traces itself back to 
that of Dorset, 1630, is now represented by the Rev. Sir John Hoskyns, 
Rector of Ashton Tywold, and his brother, Admiral Sir Anthony H. Hos- 
kins, of Montague Square, London. 

The names of Thomas, William, John, Charles, Henry, Joseph, Richard,. 
Anthony, Mary, Elizabeth, Catherine, and Susanna are found in all the 
branches of the family, from the earliest to the present day. 

Not satisfied with coming to England from Germany, members of the 
family were among the first emigrants to the New World. In 1623, Nicholas 
Hoskins was living in Elizabeth City, Virginia. 1630, John Hoskins, 
founder of the Connecticut branch, came to Dorchester, Mass. 1645, 
William Hoskins, who had settled in Scituate, Mass., moved to Plymouth, 
Mass. 1670, Robert and Katherine Hoskins went to the Barbadoes. The- 



Al'l'KNDlX XII. 2S' 



same year finds Thomas Hoskins in North Carolina, and befort- 17(i(), a Dr. 
and Rev. Richard Hoskins settled in the Province of Pennsylvania. Scarcely 
a State in the Union but is the hnnie of some branch of tlic family. 



(1) Chkistoimikh JToskins'. 
(1) Christopher HosKiNs\ b. , ; d. , . Inten- 
tions of marriage of Christopher Hoskins, Mariner, to Snsanna Mcllins were 
published in Poston, Apr. (5, 1727, 0. S. Susanna Mellins was b. Jan. L'L', 
1704; bapt. Old South, Jan. 28, 1705 ; d. , . 

CJi Udren : 

( 2) i. Christojj/icr Jfoskiiis-, Jr., bapt. Jan. 2S. 1727; d. Dec 12, 17fi'.>, at 
sea. 

( 3) ii. Susanna Hoskins-, bapt. Mar. 15, 1730; d. Sept., 175)0, in Bo.ston. 

( 4) iii. Thomas Bosk his-, bapt. Dec. 12. 1731. 

( 5) iv. Elizabeth Hoskins'-, bapt. Jan. G, 1734. 

( 6) V. WiUiavi Hoskins-, bapt. Jan. 4. 173G; d. May 30, 178('), in Boston. 

( 7) vi. He7inj Hoskins^, bapt. Mar. 2, 1738 ; d. Sept. 30, 1807, Wilming- 
ton, N. C. 

( 8) vii. Mar// Hoskins'-, bapt. jMar. 20, 1730. 

( 9) viii. Benjamin Hoskins"^, bapt. Apr. 4, 1742; d. Sept., 1705. 

(10) ix. Ruth Hoskins-, bapt. May 6, 1743. 

Biography. 

Christopher Hoskins\ antecedents as yet unknown, first appears on the 
Boston Records in 1724, when as a stranger, he is warned to leave the town. 
This he was not obliged to do, for in 1727, his intentions of marriage are 
published in Boston. The marriage must have been very shortly after the 
publishment, as the date of the birth of the first child is in that year. It 
is presumed that he came from England to Boston, for in a letter written in 
1772, by his son William, to a Mrs. Pavey, Plymouth Dock, England, he 
gives an account of the death by drowning, of her son, who had married a 
daughter of Christopher Hoskins; he asks her, "if old Mrs. Burgess is liv- 
ing, who kept an inn at Woolwich, or any of the family, as she was only 
sister to my father." Of his nine children, the lineage of but four can be 
traced, and two of those but imperfectly — that of Christopher, Jr., and 
Susanna. William and Henry have but few breaks in their lines up to this 
twentieth century. Of Thomas, we have the record of his intentions of 
marriage to Abigail Dosson of lioston, dated June 24, 1750. 

Of Mary, her intentions of marriage with Thomas Turner, jjublished 
June 30, 1700. 

Of Benjamin, the knowledge from the Boston Records, that in June, 
1753, he was one of eighty-six scholars who attended ''a Publick School 
for Writing and Arithmetic," under the care and education of Samuel 
Holyoke, master. In the Records of the Probate Court, we find that on 



288 APPENDIX XII. 



October 4, 1765, a letter of administration is granted to Susanna Hoskins, 
in account of Benjamin Hoskins, mariner. 

Of Ruth, that at 23 years she was unmarried. She is given as spin- 
ster in a list of passengers on the sloop "Brittainia" from Nantucket. 
Which sister was the wife of young Pavey is not known. Neither can the 
date of the death of Christopher Hoskins be found, probably about 1745, as 
we find his wife Susanna keeping a shop on Hanover Street at that time. 
That she was living as late as 1772 is proved by a letter from her son 
William to his brother Henry. 

It is earnestly hoped that some member of the family may be able to 
discover the missing data. 



(3) Christopher Hoskins"'^ (Christopher^). 

(2) Christopher Hoskins-, Jr., bapt. Old South, Jan. 28, 1727, 0. S. ; 
d. Dec. 12, 1769 ; m. in New North, May 17, 1753, Katherine Millins, bapt. 
New North, Jan. 6, 1733 ; d. Jan. 5, 1769. 

Children : 

(11) i. Katherine Hoskins^, b. , ; d. , . 

(12) ii. Susanna Hoskins^, bapt. New Brick, Mar. 1, 1762 ; d. Apr. 17, 1796, 

Boston. 

Biography. 

Christopher Hoskins^, Jr., inheriting from his father the fondness for 
the sea, chose to spend the better part of his life upon it, and before the age 
of 26 had risen to the position of Captain in the employ of his brother 
William, the merchant and ship-builder. At the age of 26 he married the 
daughter of Capt. William and Katherine Lamsdell Millins, a lovely girl 
of 21 years. Two daughters were born to them. After sixteen years of 
married happiness the husband and wife died in the same year, Mrs. Hoskins 
in January and the Captain in the following December. Tlte Boston News 
Letter of Mar. 29, 1770, gives the manner of his death: "We hear from 
Essequibo that Capt. Christopher' Hoskins of the schooner ' Fortesque and 
Jane ' of this town, together with three other persons, namely a passenger, 
a seaman and a negro, were drowned in the night of the 12*'^ of December 
last, occasioned by a sudden squall." 

The young wife was laid to rest in Copp's Hill Burying Ground, where 
her grave can still be found, and upon the stone at its head is the following 
inscription : 

"//ere lies the Body of 

Mrs. Katherine Hoskins 

wife of Capt. Christopher Hoskins 

died Jan'!' S'" 1769 

aged 34 years'" 



APPENDIX XII. 2H0 



. After the death of his wife, Capt. Christoplier was appoiiitfd liy the 
Probate Court " Guardian to Katherine Hoskins, a miiHir uihI.m- M years 
and grand-daughter of William Millins, late of Boston, Mariner, deceased. 
Also of his minor child Susanna. 

"William Hoskins, Joseph Carnes, 'Gentleman,' both of said town, 
became bound with said Christopher." Date, July L'l, KC.l). 

On March 20, 1770, " William Hoskins of Uoston, :Merchant, was admitted 
Administrator of the Estate of Christopher Hoskins, late of said Uoston, 
Mariner, deceased, intestate. Caleb Hopkins, Merchant, John Greenleaf, 
'Taylor.' Both of Boston." At this time "Christopher's two poor orplian 
children" were cared for by their Uncle William Hoskins. Previous to tliis 
time and after their mother's death, while their father was absent at sea, 
they were under the care of Dr. Elisha Story of Boston, as the following 
copy of a memorandum of his discloses: " Capt. Christopher Hoskins chil- 
dren sent to school to Mrs. Stephens, on Monday, 24"' April, 1761). Paid 
for 13 weeks schooling at 8/, £5 4*." 

Of Katherine, the elder daughter, it is presumed that the following 
notice of Intentions of Marriage is hers: " Boston, June 28, 178.'J. dolin 
Snelling and Katherine Hoskins." 

Susanna, the younger sister, was bapt. in the New Brick, ^[ar. 1, 1702; 
d. in Boston, Apr. 17, 179G; m. Ebenezer Hemnienway, bapt. Old South, 
Apr. 5, 1741. She was buried in Copp's Hill Burying (Jround, and her 
gx'avestone is inscribed : 

" la Memory of 

3Irs. Susanna Hemnienway 

wife of Mr. Ebenezer Ilemmemoay 

& younriest daughter of Capt. CJn-istop/icr Ilnsh-ins. 

She departed this life 

April 17, 1796, 

In the 34"' year of her ar/e. 

Here rest the dead, from pain and sorroic free • 
She^s gone to heaven, God, to rest with thee ; 
Her bright example may we make our own 
As far as she in Christ and God was Arnoion." 



(3) SUSANXA HOSKINS- (CHRrSTOPIIER^). 

(3) Susanna Hoskins-, bapt. Old South, Mar. 15, 1730; d. Sept., 170G, 
in Boston ; m. first, William Hopkins, Aug. 10, 1749, by Rev. Joseph Sewall ; 
second, James Scollay, Aug. 29, 1751, bapt. New Brick, :Mar. 2. 172S, .1. 
; third, Joseph Carnes, 1765, bapt. New North, Nov. 26, 1733, d. . 

Children : 
(13) i. Susanna^ Scollay, bapt. King's Chapel, Aug. 31, 1752 ; (h 



(14) ii. John^ Scollay, bapt. Old South, May 5, 1754 ; d. Nov. 17. 1763. 



19 



290 APPENDIX XII. 



(13) Susanna^ Scollat (Susanna^, Christopher^). 

She m. first, Oct., 1769, Thomas Osborne, by Rev. Saml. Stillman ; 
second, Oct. 5, 1793, Samuel Cookson (Major). 

Children (by first marriage) : 

(15) i. Joh7i Scollcn/* Osborne. 

(16) ii. David* Osborne. 

(17) iii. Susanna* Osborne. 

(By second marriage) : 

(18) iv. Samuel* Cookson. 



(14) JoHN^ Scollat (Susanna^, Christopher^). 

Baptized in Old South Church, Boston, May 5, 1754 ; was the only son 
of James and Susanna (Hoskins) Scollay. His epitaph at Copp's Hill 
Burying Ground is as follows : 

" Stop O youth and kindly drop a tear, 
A youth once gay like you, lies buried here! 

Here lies the Remains of 

John Schollay 

Son of James Schollay and Susanna Jiis wife 

who died ye 17"' Nov. 

1763 

aged 10 years. 

His hody''s here, his soul to heaven is gone 
There to receive from God its righteous doom.'''' 

Biography. 

Susanna Hoskins^, eldest daughter of Christopher and Susanna (Mellins) 
Hoskins, was baptized at the Old South Meeting House, March 15, 1730. 
At the age of 19 she married William Hopkins, who died the following year. 
According to the custom of the time, she did not long remain a widow, and 
in 1751, Aug. 27th, she married James Scollay (of the well known Scollay 
family of Boston, for whom Scollay Square was named), the son of James 
and Mary (Smith) Scollay. They had two children, Susanna and John, the 
latter dying in boyhood. Susanna^ was twice married, first to Thomas 

Osborne of , N. H., second to Samuel Cookson of Boston. After 

the second marriage, the children of the first marriage were taken by their 
grandmother. Mrs. Susanna (Hoskins) Hopkins, Scollay, Carnes, was a 
very capable and ambitious woman. After the death of her second hvisband, 
with her brother William's assistance, she established herself in business 
and kept a large shop, dealing in all sorts of commodities. This she sold 
out at the time of her third marriage, but when once more left a widow, she 



APPENDIX Xll. 291 



again went into business and continued until lier death. Slic loft a greater 
amount of property than any other of lier brotliers or sisters, including a 
three-story brick liouse on iranover Street, corner of Marshall's Lane. She 
died in her home, Sept., 179(5. The following is the announcement of her 
death sent to lier brother, Henry Hoskins, by her nepliow, Kichard Quince 
Hoskins : 

^'Dear Ihu-Ie : 

Death, that king of terrors, having pierced with his fatal shaft 
the lieart of my dear Aunt Canies, on Fryday last at k past .'! O'clock 1'. M. 
and interr'd on Sunday at 5 P.M. I want to pay my lust duties to my 
deceased Aunt, but who can describe the torrent of sorrow whidi over- 
whelmed my breast on my arrival at the house of mourning ! My Aunt was 
mortihed & bore her i)aius witlu Christian fortitude but is now gone to the 
Valley of the Shadow of Death." 

The Will of Susanna (Hoskins) Carnes is dated Apr. 29, 1794, and was 
witnessed by Sanil. Cooper, Elizabeth Kaymar and Anne llaymer. John 
Hoskins and John Osborne, merchants, were appointed executors, and the 
bulk of the property was bequeathed to grand-children, David and Susanna 
Osborne and John Scollay Osborne of Epsom, N. H. The Will was probated 
Oct. 11, 179G. The Inventory amounted to $9048. Gl, aiul included a brii-k 
three-story mansion on Hanover Street, corner of Marshall's Lane, Boston. 



(6) William Hoskins- (Chkistophek^). 

[See also (B 7) Box Family.] 

(6) William Hoskins'-, bapt. Old South, Jan. 4, 173G ; d. May 30, 17SG ; 
m. June 12, 17G4, Lydia Box, bapt. Apr. 24, 1745, d. Oct., 1814. 

Children : 

(19) i. John Hoskins^, bapt. King's Chapel, Apr. 17. KG.'; bur. King's 

Chapel, INIay .31, 17Go. 

(20) ii. WdlUtni Hoskins^, bapt. King's Chapel, July 22, 17GG; d. in Cuba, 

1824. 

(21) iii. John Box Hoskins^, bapt. King's Chapel, Dec. 14, 17G8; d. in Isle 

of France before 1831. 

(22) iv. Richard Quince JJoskins^, b. JNIar. 17, 1770; d. in Boston, July 12, 

1825. 

(23) V. Lydia Hoskins^, bapt. King's Chapel, Nov. 20, 1771 ; d. in I'.oston, 

Apr., 1790. 

(24) vi. Hannah Hoskins^. 

(25) vii. Henry Hoskins', bapt. King's Chapel, Aug. 1, 1773; bur. King's 

Chapel, Jan. 29, 1774. 

(26) viii. Susanna Hoskins', bapt. King's Chapel, Nov. 25, 177 I. 

(27) ix. Henry Hoskins', b. 177G ; d. Wiscasset, :Me., Feb., 1804. 

(28) X. Charlotte Hoskins'. 



292 APPENDIX xir. 



(29) xi. Susanna Hoskins^, bapt. King's Chapel, Jan. 8, 1778 ; d. Dedliam, 

Mass., Dec. 18, 1863. 

(30) xii. Charles Chauncey Hoskins^, bapt. First Church, Nov. 7, 1779 ; 

d. Newport, E. I., June 13, 1813. 

(31) xiii. Naneij Hosklns^, bapt. First Church, June 23, 1782 ; bur. Sept. 

20; 1783. 

(32) xiv. Thomas Bulfinch Hoskins^, bapt. Second Church, Aug. 7, 1785 ; 

bur. King's Chapel, May 3, 1791. 

The descendants of these children will be found in the history of Mrs. 
Lydia (Box) Hoskins — (B 7) Part II, Box Family, p. 224. 

Biography. 

William^ Hoskins, tlie fifth child and third son of Christopher^ and 
Susanna (Mellins) Hoskins, was born in Boston in Dec, 1735, and baptized 
in the Old South Meeting House, Jan. 4, 1736. Nothing is yet known of 
his life until his 26th year, when he formed a partnership with Joseph 
Wheelwright, a youth not twenty-one, brother of Nathaniel Wheelwright, 
one of Boston's early merchants, and it is surmised that William Hoskins 
was in his employ in some capacity before that time, as in the letters pre- 
served by the family he often speaks of Mr. Wheelwright as his " Dear 
Benefactor " and " Paternal Friend." This young firm entered at once into 
a large business embracing importations of general commodities, ship- 
building and ownership. They had correspondents in many ports this side 
the water, and also in England and the many islands where Massachusetts 
merchants traded. In England, among other firms was that of Priestly & 
Co., which exists at the present day. The extent of their business can be 
inferred from the number of Captains they employed, which amounted to 
nearly one hundred, the greater part of them sailing the vessels OAvned by 
Wm. Hoskins & Co. In 1762 they entered into the " slave trade," doing a 
large business in it ; but few of the slaves were brought to Boston, however. 
One of the slave ships was "named the Durnell in honor of an African 
King," which they '' thought would be very taking." Later they established 
a distillery for rum to be used in this nefarious business. It is difficult to 
realize that a man who, in every other walk of life, was the soul of honor 
and integrity, could justify to himself this traffic in human souls. In 1763, 
that " year of plenty," they erected a sugar house ; their business also pros- 
pered in every direction. This we glean from the Letter Books which are 
in the possession of a descendant of William Hoskins. In 1764 William 
Hoskins & Co. had its share in the making of the nation's history, in the 
seizure by the Port Officer, Capt. Thomas Bishop, of a brigantine owned by 
the firm. The vessel was bound from Bordeaux to St. Eustasia, having a 
cargo of wine for the latter port, and came into Boston for water and repairs, 
having a "Letter of Liberty " giving permission for the vessel to remain in 



APPENDIX XII. 298 



port for three days. The case was bmu-ht bcloro Lliu Court of Admiralty, 
which condemned her of intention to land her carj^o in IJoston. Tlio tirni 
appealed and the case was sent to England for trial. Unfortunately the 
result of that trial is not reported in the books of the firm. The following 
is an extract from a letter to Messrs. Devonshire ik Reeve of Bristol, Eug,, 
in regard to this seizure : 

"This Condemnation astonishes ever^ gentleman of any judgement so 
great a piece of Injustice cant be paraleld, if Traced a Century kick. Its 
very unhappy for us so great a power of either Condcm'g or Ac(juit'g Should 
be reposed in one man, the Advantages arising from a Condemnation is 
enough to stagger the most Impartial Understanding. This Capt. IJishop 
is 'Sovereign of the Port,' the 'Devil of the Harbour' and unless we have 
some redress from home or this Gentleman comes to better Jteason we may 
look upon ourselves Compleatly Undone. We beg your pardon for this 
troublesome Tail." 

To Mr. Gardner, to whom the care of the case was at first entrusted, 
Mr. Hoskins writes : 

" We wrote you 13"' <& 25**> June last Acquainting you Something of 
the Proceedings of our Admiralty Court Respecting the P>rig' * Free Mason ' 
and Cargo — the Latter attended with a State of the Case drawn up by Mr. 
Otis. This Encloses you another State* drawn up by Mr. Gridley, of which 
we shall send you triplicates. Although Mr. Otis drew up the former State' 
of the Case Yett he was no ways Concerned in it, but as Mr. (Jriilley being 
Absent Att that Juncture, when the Opp'y Offered we were Obliged to 
Apply to him. He was only a Spectator at the Trial, the Injustice of which 
appear'd so strong and clear to him Occasional his Immediately writing, 
Long before we Imploy'd him, the Inclos'd, 'A Defence of the Rights of the 
British Colonies,' wherein he several times Reflects upon the Admiralty 
Court and particularly with ResjJect to this Cause." 

This Mr. Gardner refused to take charge of the case, and it was given 
into the hands of Mr. Thomas Boylston. From that time forth we know 
the noble work of this James Otis in the cause of liberty. This trouble in 
regard to the seizing of the vessels, together with the epidemic of small pox 
which so violently raged that year, affected all branches of trade, William 
Hoskins writing another of his correspondents "That the Stagnation of 
Business makes so deep Impression upon People as to Cloud the Mind and 
droop the Countenance, for my Part I coii'd almost wish the Night's where 
as Long here as one reported to be in Some part of Greenland, that I might 
slumber away what my ej^es are Obliged to Behold Daily.'' 

Despite his gloomy forebodings, this year 1704 was a most prosperous 
one for the firm. 1765 was the year of business panics, and failures were 
on every hand. Nathaniel Wheelwright & Co. " Shutt Up,'' and that led 
creditors to attach the property of William Hoskins cS: Co., althougli they 



294 APPENDIX XII. 



were in no way connected in their business. William Hoskins thus wrote : 
" This Proceed'g Render'd us Unable to Discharge our own Engagements 
and Obliged us to Close our Doors. You may rely upon it no person shall 
Suffer or Loffe a farthen by us, especially those who have been so kind as to 
favour us with Consignments." This failure was a great blow and every- 
thing was sacrificed to pay the debts of the firm, which was then dissolved. 
William Hoskins, until the Revolution, was in a commission business, nearly 
all of his former correspondents offering assistance. His spirit of revolt 
was stirred so deeply at the time of the seizure of his vessel that he became 
an earnest upholder of the rights of the people, and was one of the first to 
join the secret societies that were everywhere being formed by the lovers of 
right and justice. In writing of the Stamp Act, he called it "An Act to 
Cramp and Ruin Trade." He was an ardent Son of Liberty, a member of 
the famous North End Caucus, and one of the founders of St. Andrew's 
Lodge, which held its meetings in " that hot-bed of the Revolution," the 
Green Dragon Tavern. It is supposed he was a member of the Tea Party, 
as he belonged to that Lodge in whose records was written, under date of 
Dec. 16, 1773, " The Lodge met but adjourned, on account of the fewness of 
the members," and under this record was the following in a bold hand : 
" Consignee's of tea took up the Brethern's time." The next month, in 
writing Ralph Carr, Esq., he says: "I have nothing new to communicate 
more than what the Prints affords, the Fate of the East India Company's 
Tea, in the Several Provinces & a Probability of an Union of the Colony's, 
which. If suceeds Great Britain in her Commerce may feel a Shock not soon 
Recoverable." 

His letters overflow with patriotism, and only want of space prevents 
their insertion in this biography. At the tinie of the enforcing of the Port 
Bill he was seriously ill and confined to his house ; nevertheless, he arranged 
for the building of a ship, to employ the builders, blacksmiths and others 
who were great sufferers by their enforced idleness. He had a tender, 
generous heart, and we find many items in the Letter Books where he 
forgave poor debtors ; one in particular, when, one of his Captains dying in 
his debt for a large sum, he declined to have it collected, in order " that the 
Poor Widow and Children might retain the House for their Comfort." 
Again, he writes David Wyer of Casco Bay " not to Issue Executions against 
any person or persons who are unable to pay." The last letter of the Letter 
Book is dated Feb. 14, 1775, and is to one of his English correspondents. 
In it he says : 

" We remain steady and Cool in this Metropolis while our Fellow Sub- 
jects in the Inland Towns are making all the Preparations Necessary to 
Defend themselves against any force Great Britain may or can Send into a 
Bushey Country. We are Content to Deny ourselves the common Neces- 
sary's of Life and Sacrifice our Commerce rather than Loose our Birthrights 



Al'l'KNDIX XII. '211') 



and Entail Slavery upon even one (Jeneration. \\r li,,p.' l,y Mils a Stiitc of 
our Greivances are Laid before the rarliament and it Ki-,di toon sly attoiulml 
to Doubtless we shall soon be Keinstated in our Iti^hts and I'rivilodjrfs to 
the Confusion of the Cursed Pickpockets who Knyross :ill the Taxes upon 
the Trade of this people to Support themselves and DepiMidiuioes and Ij-hvo 
Nothing to be Remitted Home toward Discharging the Nati«»n:il Debt. Sudi 
a Set the Devil would I'.lush to own himself the i)eluder of." 

On the first of January, 1775, William Iloskins was at tlie Magazine 
in Roxbury in the service of his country, under the orders of Commissary 
General Joseph Trumbull, who later appointed him his Deputy. He wjvs 
appointed to the Commissary Department by the Committee of Safety. 
After the death of Gen. Trumbull. Congress appointed him Military Admin- 
istrator of General Affairs, and was ordered by that body " To call to 
account and make settlement with all persons who had been employed under 
the late Com'y Gen^ and prepare all the accounts of the said Com'y (Jen' 
remaining unsettled and lay them before the Congress for final settlement 
the said William Hoskins being authorized to receive and pay balances and 
to account. That for his services he be allowed 2^ per cent." This duty 
he performed to the satisfaction of Congress, which body then offered liim a 
"Birth in the Board of Treasury," also ''to be one of the Chamber of 
Accounts ; " but he preferred returning to Boston. He felt, however, that 
the remuneration for his arduous labor was not sufiicient, and memorialized 
Congress to that effect, but to no avail. Congress refusing to comply with 
his request. In 1779 he returned to Boston and to his family, and while 
doing a commission business, he was actively engaged in the service of his 
country in many ways. He was a staunch upholder of paper money, although 
a large loser thereby ; but it seemed to him best that the Government should 
be supported, in ]:)reference to private individuals' w'elfare. He was one of 
the Committee of Thirteen to see that extortion should not be practised 
upon the people — these were appointed by the Congress held at Concord, 
July 14, 1779 ; one of a Committee to see that " the lands at West Boston 
were improved for the raising of vegitables ; " one of a Committee to pub- 
lish the name in the newspapers of those who took advantage of their poorer 
townsmen ; one of a Committee to prepare a list of 20 persons to be 
stationed at the Fortifications and Charlest'n Ferry to prevent l"'sons going 
out of town to purchase Provisions, and on many other Committees of like 
nature looking to the welfare of the people. When John Hancock returned 
to Boston he sent William Hoskins to England on confidential business, 
placing the greatest confidence in his business abilities and his integrity. 

We have mentioned his association with the patriotic St. Andrew's 
Lodge. That was but one of his connections with the Masonic Fraternity, 
of which he M^as an active and earnest member. For nine years, 1772-17S1, 
he was Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge, and nearly all the records for 



296 APPENDIX XII. 



those years are in his bold and clear handwriting. He served in many- 
offices and on many committees, particularly upon those that arranged for 
the wonderful •' feasts " held by that body, which were feasts indeed, like 
those of the Romans of old. He also served with the Committee for Form- 
ing Rules and Regulations for the Government of the Grand Lodge. To 
know a man, it is said you must seek his friends. Those most dear to this 
man were Gen. Joseph Warren, James Otis, Paul Revere, Samuel Barrett, 
Perez Morton, Joseph Webb, Benjamin Austin, the son of his father-in-law's 
partner, and many others bearing the stamp of true manhood. This is but 
a cursory life of a man of whom volumes could be written, but it is hoped 
that it serves to show his nobility of character, formed upon those right 
principles which caused him to scorn all that was mean and unworthy and 
made him unfailingly loyal to all that was good and true, breeding in him a 
deep reverence for all things holy. With such strong feelings, it was but 
natural that he should be " pretty flustery," as he expressed it ; but that 
was temperamental and to be expected from one so keen to feel both joy and 
sorrow. With justice and honesty for his life's motto, no duty was too 
slight for him to undertake, and whatsoever his hand found to do he did it 
with all his might. 



(7) Hexry Hoskins^ (Christopher^). 

(7) Henry Hoskins^, b. Feb. 11, 1738 ; bapt. Old South, Mar. 2, 1739; 
d. Sept. 30, 1807, in Wilmington, North Carolina; m. first, Oct. 29, 1772, 
Ann Hawes of Dorchester, by Rev. Jonathan Bowman ; second, Margaret 

, who d. ]Mar. 3, 1792 ; third, Jan. 12, 1794, Ann Miller, b. June 17, 

1765, d. Aug. 22, 1841. 

Children — by first marriage : 

(86) i. Ann Hoskins^, b. Dec. 4, 1774. 

(87) ii. Henrt/ Thomas Orton Hoskins^, b. Feb. 12, 1776. 

(88) iii. Ann Hoskins^, b. Oct., 1777. 

(89) iv. Hennj Hoskins^, h. Aug. 17, 1780 ; d. Jan. 12, 1802, at sea. 

(90) V. Susanna Hosklns^, b. Feb. 28, 1782. 

(91) vi. WilUam Hoskins% b. Nov. 11, 1784. 

By second marriage : 

(92) vii. Ifuffh Catnjibell Hoskins^, b. Mar. 9, 1789. 

(93) viii. Ann Hoskiiis^, b. Feb. 11, 1792. 

By third marriage : 

(94) ix. Margaret Hosktns^, b. Oct. 14, 1794 ; d. May 13, 1796. 

(95) X. William John Hoskins^, b. July 16, 1796; d. Apr. 23, 1797. 

(96) xi. Benjamin Lowder Hoskins^, b.'^ Feb. 11, 1798 ; d. Nov. 26, 1859. 

(97) xii. Elizabeth Jane Hoskins^, b. Mar. 16, 1801 ; d. Oct. 31, 1801. 

(98) xiii. Hennj Richard Hoskins^, b. Dec. 5, 1803 ; d. June 16, 1804. 



AITENDIX XII. -Jit; 



Biography. 

Henry IToskins^ was the fourth son and sixtli child of Christoidier and 
Susanna (Mellins) Hoskins. He received his education in the ruhlic. Schools 
of Boston, and, in the twenty-ninth report of the Record Conmiissioner, liis 
name is on a list of eiglity-six scholars who belonged to a Publick Scliool, 
June 29, 1753, for Writing and Arithmetic, under the care and education of 
Samuel Holyoke, Master. 

At the age of 24, Henry Hoskins commanded one of the vessels of his 
brother William, and sailed for the liini of ^Villianl Hoskins & Co. until 
1766-7, when he entered the employ of Richard Quince & Co. of Cape Fear 
(now Wilmington), N. C, sailing their vessels for many years. Tlie affec- 
tion between William and Henry seems to have been very tender, William 
often acting a fatherly part toward his younger brother. In 1771 William 
Hoskins, in writing his friend, Richard Quince, begs him "to oblige him 
with a sight of his only brother." The latter part of Sept., 1772, found 
Capt. Henry again in Boston, and on Oct. 29, 1772, he married Miss Ann 
Hawes of Dorchester. She remained in Dorchester for a time, as William 
wrote to Henry, Dec. 14, 1772 : "I Heard your wife with her Aunt was in 
Town the Other Day, and that she was well." Their first son and second 
child was born on the brig " Orton," Feb. 12, 1776, then lying in the Cape Fear 
River. By this we infer that Mrs. Hoskins was her husband's companion 
upon some of his voyages. Six children were born to them, the first two 
dying young. The fourth child and second Henry " turned to the sea," and 
was the only one who lived beyond early youth, being 22, when returning 
home as supercargo, the vessel was wrecked in coming over the bar at New 
Inlet, and he was drowned. His body was washed up on the beach and he 
was buried in the old church yard of Wilmington. He died unmarried. 

The surname of Henry's second wife, Margaret, is unknown. Their 
son, Hugh Campbell, died in childhood. The daughter, Ann, married 
William Taylor of Mobile, Ala., dying when her children were very young. 
On January 12, 1794, Henry Hoskins married his third wife, Ann, daughter 
of Richard and Eleanor Miller oi Wilmington, by whom he had five children. 
Mrs. Hoskins survived her husband 34 years. The latter years of Capt. 
Hoskins' life were spent in Wilmington. He was an Inspector of Lumber. 
He died Sept. 30, 1807, outliving, it is thought, his brothers and sisters. 

In the possession of Miss Harriet Minot Jones of Norfolk, Va., is a 
prayer-book, bearing on its cover the name of the third wife of Capt. Henry 
Hoskins. It is so large and heavy that the dainty hands of ^Madam Ann 
Hoskins were not able to carry it to church, and her servant always walked 
behind her when she attended divine service, carrying the precious volume. 
It is now one hundred and twelve years old, and a valued inheritance to its 
present possessor. 



298 APPENDIX XII. 



(93) Ann Hoskins^ (Henky-, Christopher^). 

(93) Ann Hoskins^, b. Feb. 11, 1792 ; m. William Taylor of Mobile, 
Alabama. 

Children : 
( 99) i. William Henry* Taylor, m. Mary Jane Sullivan; he d. 1888. 
(100) ii. Margaret'^ Taylor, m. Frederic Sullivan and had : 

(101) i. Sarah Ann^ Sullivan, m. Willis Turlington and 
had : 



(102) i. Royer S.^ Turlington. 

(103) ii. 



(9G) Benjamin L. Hoskins^ (Henry^, Christopher^). 

(96) Benjamin L. Hoskins^, b. Feb. 11, 1798 ; d. Nov. 26, 1859 -, m. 
Feb. 18, 1829, Maria Miot of Charleston, S. C, by Rev. William Capers, 
b. 1805, d. May 22, 1874. 

Children : 

(104) i. Henry John Hoshins\ b. Dec. 12, 1829 ; d. Sept. 2, 1834. 

(105) ii. Benjamin Richard Hoskins*, b. Aug. 17, 1832; d. Aug. 22, 1832. 

(106) iii. Harriet Ann Hoskins^ b. Oct. 12, 1833 ; d. June 18, 1883. 

(107) iv. William Capers Hoskins*, b. Jan. 18, 1836; d. Jan. 24, 1836. 

(108) V. Maria Caroliyie Hoskins'^, b. Apr. 17, 1837. 

(109) vi. Eliza Theresa Hoskins\ b. Apr. 30, 1839 ; d. May 29, 1840. 

(110) vii. Be7ijamin Hoskins*, b. Aug. 1, 1841. 

(Ill,) viii. Frances Eleanor Hoskins*, b. July 20, 1844; d. June 2, 1845. 



(106) Harriet Ann Hoskins^ (Benjamin L.^, Henry^, Christopher^). 

(106) Harriet Ann Hoskins", b. Oct. 12, 1833, Newbern, N. C. ; 
d. June 18, 1883, in Norfolk, Va. ; m. 1849, Rev. Richard H. Jones of 
Wilmington, N. C. (by Rev. John Paris), b. Oct. 27, 1827, Suffolk, Va. 

Children : 

(112) i. 3Ia7-ia Elizabeth^ Jones, b. Oct., 1850, Wilmington, N. C. ; d. 1851. 

(113) ii. Caroline Eugenia^ Jones, b. Oct., 1852, Wilmington, N. C. ; d. July 

18, 1870. 

(114) iii. Herbert^ Jones, b. Aug., 1855, Nash Co., N. C. 

(115) iv. Benjamin Richard^ Jones, b. Apr. 12, 1858, Fayetteville, N. C. 

(116) V. Isabelle Hojfman^ Jones, b. Feb. 18, 1862,. Nash Co., N. C. 

(117) vi. Maria Hos'kins^ Jones, b. Oct. 10, 1864, Nash Co., N. C. ; d. June 

6, 1897, Norfolk, Va. ; m. Sept. 26, 1890, J. W. Patton of 
Jamestown, Ohio, by Rev. 0. S. Barten, D.D., b. Aug. 8, 1862. 

(118) vii. Reginald Heber'' Jones, b. Mar. 18, 1866, Nash Co., N. C. ; d. .Alar. 

30, 1866. 



APPENDIX xri. 291) 



(119) viii. Alexander McComb^ Jones, b. Oct. 1C>, ISC.S, Kdgeuonil), N.C 

(120) ix. Roheyt Lewis^ Jones, b. July 12, 1.S70, Nash Co., N. C. ; .1. .Inly 

21, 1870. 

(121) X. Harriet Miot^ Jones, b. June 20, 1870, Nash Co., N. C. 



(114) Herbert^ Jones (Harriet A.^ Benjamin L.', IIk.nhv'-, 

Christopher^). 

(114) Herbert^ Joxes, b. Aug. 1, 185o j iii. lirst, Feb. ir>, ISSI, 
Rbstorica Woodward, at Norfolk, Va., b. 1853, Portsmouth, Va., d. Mar., 
1892, Norfolk, Va. ; m. second, Alice Bray. 

Children — • by first marriage : 

(122) i. James Woodward^ Jones, b. Apr. 1, 1885. Rocky Mt., N. C. 

(123) ii. Herbert Hosldns^ Jones, b. Aug. 23, 1891', Oxford, N. C. 



(115) Ben.jamin Richard^ Joxes (Harriet A.*, Ben.iamin L.*, 

Henry-, Christopher^). 

(115) Benjamin Richari/ Jones, b. Apr. 12, 1858; m. Aug. 7, 1890, 
LiLLiE V. Walters of Norfolk, Va., b. Mar. 29, 18GG, in Norfolk, Va. 

Children : 

(124) \. Etujenia^ Jones, h.^o\.\?,,l^':)~\. . 

(125) ii. Richard'' Jones, b. May 29, 1890. 



300 CORRECTIONS AND ADDITIONS. 



CORRECTIONS AND ADDITIONS. 



Parje 61. For (118), (119) and (120) the surname should be Austen. 

Page 73. 1st line, male should read lineal. 

Page 73. 3d line. Read "Mrs. Martha Eddy xoho died 1830." 

Page 100. (300) Elizabeth Box (Bronsdon) Loring d. 186S, and not 1768. 

Page 142. The wife of (282) John Box Bronsdon was Abigail. 

Page I46. (484) Phinehas Bronsdon, Jr., was b. in March. 

Page I4S. Capt. Creighton Whitmore Parker d. May 4, instead of Mar. 4. 

Page 200. The following record was received very late, and consequently was over- 
looked until too late for insertion on p. 200 : 

(901) Jane BronsdonS (Wm.^, Jk., Wm.*, Bant^, Benj.^, Robt.i). 

Jane Bronsdon was b. May 25, 1847, at Athol, Mass. : m. Nov. 23, 1863, Ches- 
ter Twichell, son of Ephraim and Sally (Twichell) Houghton of Winchendon. He was 
b. Apr. 9, 1842. Res. at Phillipston, Mass. 

One Child: 
(901o) Herbert Chester' Houghton, b. Dec. 25, 1865, at Greenfield. 



Obituary. 

Mr. Henry Mills Da}^, who married (624) Miss Sarah Vallette of 
Cincinnati, 0. (see p. 165), died suddenly Oct. 12, 1901, at his home, 
6 East Forty-fourth St., New York City, of pneumonia. He was born 
at Waterbury, Conn., in 1838, and was son of the Rev. Henry Noble 
Day, long identified with the interests of Yale University. Mr. H. M. 
Day became a member of the New York Stock Exchange in 1870, and 
formed the firm of " Day & Heaton," one of the oldest in Wall Street. 
He was a member of the Union, Metropolitan, University, Union League, 
Riding aud other clubs and societies. 



Farewell Remarks. 

To-night, Feb. 17, 1902, the compiler lays aside her pen, her task 
accomplished. She began the work in June, 1897. In view of the dif- 
ficulties and expenses it is remarkable that any family histories are 
written, except by those possessed of ample means and leisure. Those 
who know the writer best often express astonishment that she has been 
able to finish the book. It has been a wonderful experience ; it is an 
impressive thing to become acquainted with generation after generation 
of a family, and to note the vicissitudes to which the different indi- 
viduals are subject. Which is the greater force, environment or heredity ? 
Some of the best years of life have been devoted to the preparation of 
this book, aud the writer of these lines relinquishes the work with 
mingled relief and regret. 

The End. 



Index of Names. 



(Fam. stands for family. Commas separate entire pa«:e numbers, as 101, 1()'.>, etc.. or llipy may 

be written 101-2.) 



Abbott, 190. Dortlia, Ifly. 
Abrains, Win., 14, 78, 96. 
Adams, 155, 200, 242, 280. 
Addington, 21, 27, 32. 
Agar, Lettice, 268. 
Alcock, Paul Grove, S3. 
Alden, Win., 34. 
Alderman Fam., 244. 
Aldrich, Patience, 149. 
Alford, Benj., 34. 

Allen, 18, 37, 70, 95, 284. Jere., 219. 
Thos. A., Fam., 100, 150, 151, 152. 

Allison, Andrew, Fam., 177, 178. David 
C, Fam., 179. David li., Fam., 180, 
181. Eliza J., Fam., 181. Emmeline, 
Fam., 184. Frances A., 183. (ieo., 
Fam., 182. Henrietta W., Fam., 1S2. 
Henry, Fam., 183. Sarah C, Fam., 
177. 

Amidon, J. E., 194. 

Andrew, Gov., 131. 

Anderson, Lucy A., 47. 

Andros, Sir Edm., 4, 5, 21, 257. 

Appleton, Joanna, 205. 

Apthorp, Chas., 21. 

Archambanlt, Judith, 270. 

Archer, Moses, 92, 94. 

Ardell, 22, 

Ares, 95. Ayers, xiii, xiv. 

Argyll, Duke of, 58. 

Armitage, Jos., 4, 8, 14. Henry, 20. 

Armstrong, Jno., 45. 

Artluir, Nicholas, 47. 

Atherton, Fannie J., 171, 173. 

Atkinson, Eliz., 183. 

Atwood, Deacon Jno., 27. 

Aiichmuty, Robt., 57, 202. 

Austen, P. T. Fam., 61, 300. Benj., 210, 

215, 218. Austin, 51, 95, 219. 
Ayloffe, Rebecca, xiii. 



r.al)cock. I.cwis C, 87. 

Baker, Abigail, 100, 102, 105, 106. 125. 15.", 

221, 238, 2(10, 20(i. Kdm. J., 2(!(5. 

Elijah, 208. Jos. K., 45. 
Bailey, Nancy, 44. 
Ball, Caroline R., 193. 
Ballard, 101. Jarvis, 21. 
Baldwin, Rev. Thos., 162. 
Bangs, Elisha, 62, 
Banirck, Susanna. 222. 
Banister, 70. 
Banks, Gen., 129. 
Bant, Gilb., OS, 70, 72, 74, 77, 79, 92. 96, 

254, 255, 256, 257, 258, 259. 260, 2(;2. 
Jno., 33. Mary, 2, 68, 70. 73. 77, 79, 
82, 83, 92, 93, 94, 254, 256. Matthias, 
Martha, 254. Mercy, (>S. 92, \'.U\, 254. 
Wm., 70, 73. 75, SO," 93, 96, 212. 254, 

255, 258, 260—265. 
Barrel!, 225, 227, 237. 
Barrett, 296. Rev. Saml., 40. 
Barnes, Ann, 11. Calvin, 196. 
Barton, Col. Jno., 283. 

Bassett, Gorham F., 275. Jno.. xiv. 
Batcheller, Josiah, 161. Batchelor, Marv 
B., 47. 

Bates, Charlotte E., 123. Chas. M , 101. 

Beach, Geo. I., 252. 253. 

Beachen, Sand., 33. 

Bean, Mary F., 120. 

Beecher, Rev. Edw., 148. 

Belcher, Andrew, 33. Gov.. 39. 

Bellows, Geo. G., 166. 

Bemis, Luke, Fam., 88. 

Bendall, 66. 

Bender, Peter, 64. Betty, 276. 

Bennett. Eli.sha, Jno., 22. 

Bent, 43. 

Bieler, Washington, Fam., 168, 

Biggs, Rosa L., 170, 171. 



302 



INDEX. 



Billings, XV, 

Biddell, xi. 

Bills, Jane, 199. 

Bird, Wm. Fam., 240. 

Bishop, Henry F., 140. 

Blagge, Saml., 96. 

Blaisdell, C. B., 241. 

Blanchard, Joshua, 208. 

Blake, Wm., 4. Jane, xiv. 

Blaney, Jos., 17, 32. Elbridge G., 17. 

Bligh, 254. 

Bonner, ISS. Jno. , 33. 

Bonning, Jno., 74. 

Booshere (Boucher), Lewis, 33. 

Boott, Frances, 65. 

Boss, 251, 252. 

Bosson, Rich., xii. Mary, 26. 

Bosworth, Belief, 199. 

Boutineau, Stephen, 208. 

Bowditch, Nathl., 23, 210. 

Bowes, Wm., 79. 

Bowman, Eliz., 101, 153. Jas., 153. 

Box, de Boxe, 281. Alfred, 283. Albert, 
284. Annis, 284. Annie E., 284. 
Ann, 209, 282, 284. Benj., 283. An- 
tho: 282. Clares, 282. Caleb, 283, 
284. Chas.,284. Danl., 283. Elisha, 
209. Eliz., 75, 92, 93, 100, 101, 160, 
209, 210, 220, 282, 284. Enoch, 284. 
Emily, 284. Henry W., 283. John, 
92, 101, 140, 205, 208—220, 228, 282, 
284. John, Ji»., 99, 141, 160, 209, 212, 
213, 222, 231, 233. Jos., 284. Lydia, 
101, 205, 207—209, 216—220. 224, 228, 
231. Martin, 282. Muriel, 284. Mary, 
209, 218, 219, 229, 231,- 282, 284. 
Nathl., 282. Philip, 282, 284. Sir 
Ralph, 282. Robt., 282. Sarah, 224, 
229. Saml., 123, 284. Sally, 284. 
Thos., 282, 283. Wm. W., 282. 

Boyd, Adelaide, 151. 

Boylston, Thos., 225, 293. 

Bradbury, W. E. Fam., 240. 

Bradley, Jno., 104, 156. M. J., 199. 

Bradford, 222, 255, 262. 

Bradstreet, Symon, 5. 

Brainerd, Brainard, Austin, Fam., 181. 

Brandon, 83. 

Brattle, Thos., 4. 

Breame, Breeme, Hannah, 1, 11. 

Bread, Breed, Philip, 17, 32. 

Breck, Robt., 76. 

Breen, Christopher, 33. 

Brereton, Sir Wm., 13, xi. 

Brewer, 117, xiii, Mary, 100, 115. 



Brewster, Elder Wm., 147, 275. 
Bricknall, Edw., 22. 
Bridge, Jno., Mary, 66. 
Bridgham, Jos., 33. Henry, 49. 
Briggs, Deborah, 272. 
Brigham, Lore, 160, 180. 
Bright, Jno., 62. 

Bronsdon, 37, 53, 56, 75, 76, 77, 78, 220, 
viii, xvi. Abigail, 100, 110, 153. 
Agnes, 145. Amos IT., 117. Amy, 
191. Anna, 35. Annie A., 200. Anne 
L., 160, 193. Allen A., 199. Alice 
L)., 144. Arethusa, 177. Arthur E., 
116. Aurora K., 147. Avis, x, xi, 
xii, 26, 27, 35, 76. Bant^, 14, 68, 75, 
80-2-3, 93-4-6-8, 100, lOl, 160, 209, 
214-16-20-23-61. ^ant\ 80, 92, 99, 
151-5, 160-1-2, 193, 220-1. Bant^ 97, 
160, 179. Benj., xi. Benj.-, 2, 12, 
14, 22-4-6-7, 35-6, 48-9, 54, 68-9, 70— 
80-2-3, 254, 258, 261. Benj. 3, 68, 72- 
5, 82-3-4, 261. Benj.*, 80, 103, 104, 
155-6, 221. Benj. 6, 100, 107-8-9. 
Benj. B.«, 155. Benj. F.', 200. Caro- 
line^, 155-8. Catherine B., 191. Chas. 
F., 155. Chas., 115, 142. Chas. L., 
191. Edith R., 190. Edith G., 191. 
Edw. H., 109. Edwin A., 142-5. Ella 
H., 191. Ella M., 190, 199. Eleanor, 
196. Emma F., 116. Elijah, 100, 101, 
105, 142. Eliz. 2. 1, 11, 37, x. Eliz.a 
(Betty), 69, 73-5-7, 80-1, 94-5-6-7. 
Eliz.4, 92, 221. Eliz. 5, 98, 100-36-37- 
92, .300. Eliz., 68, 75, 201, 223. Eliz. 
B., 153. Eliz. C, 185. Eliz. D., 110. 
Eliza, 138. Enos F., 107, 109. Eva 
M., 200. Fannie, 155-8. Flora, 198. 
Florence J., 199, Francis H., 116. 
Frank A., 198. Frederick, 145. F. 
L. S., 199. F. S., 199. F. H., 1.53-4, 
Geo, W,, 160, Geo. C, 107. Geo. 
G., 185. Geo. E., 191. Gilbert, 68, 
72, 261. Gladys P., 109. Hannah. 
95-6, 101-50, X, Hannah L., 192, 202, 
Harriet A, S., 160, 162, Helen M., 
145. Henry, 83. H. H,, 197, 200, 
H. K., 196. H. J., 185. Herbert C, 
109. H. E., 198. H. H., 190. Her- 
man, 153. Hope, 148. Iloward A., 
116. Ida B., 200. Ida M., 199. Jane^, 
192-3. Jane«, 197, 300. Jas. E., 142- 
4. Jas., 145. J. H., 144. John Box*, 
80-4, 92-6-8, 100—107, 115-16-20-25- 
40-44, 155, 221. John^, 100-3-38-39 
-40-43-54. Jno.6, 138. Jos., 1, 11, 
12, IS, 22, 24, 69. Jos. B., 185. Jos, 
R., 143-60-61-79-85-89. Jos. W., 117. 
Joshua L., 185, 190. Laura A., 147, 
Lawrence W., 191. Lewis, 108. Lewis 
Vose, 107-8, 202-71. Lilla M., 197. 
Lillian L., 142. Louise, 108. Lucy 
J., 115. Lulu S,, 200. Lysander B., 



INDEX. 






Bronsdon — Cont. 

196, 200. ]\rartlia\ 3, 73, 82—00. 
Margaret INF., U9, 142-8, 275. Mary, 
20, 72, 74, 77, 201, xii. Mary-, 1, 11, 
37, 41. Mary'', OS, 73. M. A. L., 1.38. 
M. B., 115. M. J., 160, 170, 184. 
Maria L., 115. Mercy", 68, 72-5-9, 
80-1, 201. Milton II., 147-8. Mtirch 
M., 144. Paschal S.^ 160, 193. IVleg, 
108. riiinohas"', 84, 92-5, 100-1-42- 
43-44, 300. Pliineas", 142-0-7. Ite- 
beccas, 69, 73. 'Rebecca^ 80, 221. 
Rebeeca^ 100-1-92, 202. Bahocca'', 
138-9-40. Rebecca B., 153. Rebec-k- 
ab, 1, 2, 9— ly, 20, 48, 56, 59, 68. 
Robt.i, 1 to 28,'^52-5 6-7, 42-7-9, .58-9, 
68-9, 73-5-6, 82, 96, 125, 148, 2.58, x 
to xvi. Robt,-, 2, 12. Robt.», 68, 83, 
261. Salley T)., 1.55-6. Sanil., 100, 
115, 117. Sarab, 2, 12, 26, 35, 48, 51, 
68, 69, 83. Sarab A., 185. Sarab B., 
96-7-8-9, 103, 140, 162, 221. Sarab 
C, 100, 120, 122, 123, 134, 160, 177. 
Sumner M., 196-9. Susan, 145. Susan 
E. B., 142. Susan R., 197. Tliank- 
ful A., 196-7. Tbos., 191. Tbos. B., 
185. Violet A., 190. Wni.-', 68. 
Wm.*, 80, 103, 155, 163, 192, 221. 
Wm.S 192-6. Wm. B., 101, 1.53-4. 
Wm. L., 196. Wm. T., 197. 

Brooks, 60, 62, 98, 99, 255, 256. 

Brown, Browne, 16, 21, 76, 77, 95, 124, 
1.50, 155, 158, 194, 290. 

Browning, Frank, 241. 

Buckley, Jas., 146. 

Buckmeister, Leonard, 34. 

Buker, Bowker, 139, 156-7-8, 267, 268. 

Bui finch, 52, 225-7. 

Bullard, 273. 

Bullock, 107. 

Burden, Jas., 212. 

Burge, 14. Lorenzo, 78. 

Burgess, 145, 198, xiv. 

Burley, Harriet, 184. 

Burns, 58. 

Burrill, Jno., 17. Ebenezer, 17. Theopb., 
17. 

Burton, 46. 

Burtsch, Jos. T. Fani., 119. 

Bush, Jno., 23. 

Byrne, Natb. W., 175. 

Cade, 210. 

Calder, Jno., 150. 

Caldwell, Cordwell, 62, 194. 

Campbell. 57, 58, 86. 

Caner, Rev. Henry, 210-11-12, 225. 



Canlield, Folix, 111. 
Carloy, Sally .1., 16l', 161. 
Carlcton, 14, 45, iV.\. 
Carllle, Jno., 34. 
Carnes, 231. Sarali, 290. 
CariK^nter, Sarah, 150. 
( arr, 294. 

Carter, Josiah, 45 6 7. 
Caw to, 19, 27. 

Cbamberlain, Cbamhcrlaviio, 5, 99, im, 
ir,2. 

Chandler, Kdin., xiv, 

Cliarnoi'k, Mary, :'i8. 

Chase, Frank, 90. Henj. K., IM. 

Chaiuicey, Rev. Cba.s., 212. 

Check, l!ev. Jno. A., 167. Kam , 170. 

Cheney, Arthur, 63. 

Cheever, Susanna, 82. 

Chickering, Rev. Jos., 201. 

Child, 46-7. Prof. F. J., 46. 

Chipman, Carrie, 194. 

Clark, Benj., 48, 56-9, 6.5-6. KHz. C., 18r>. 
Jeannette, 177. Jno., 37, 48. Han- 
nah, 177. Martha, 48, 59, 60. Ke- 
beckah, 48. Robt., 48-9, 54. Sarah, 
2, 19, 23, 34, 35, 48, 54-6, 66-7. Wm.. 
2, 19, 34-5-7, 48-9, .50-1-2-4-6, V,{\ 7, 
257. 

Clarke, Jona., 263. Tbos., 9. 

Clap, Clapp, 100-2-3. Edw., Ezra, P^oger, 
269. 

Clowes, 46. 

Cloville, Priscilla, x. 

Coburn, Frank, 147. 

Codnian, Benj. S., 136. 

Codner, 53. 

Coffey, Theo. C. Fain., 171-2. 

Coffin, Annah N., 107-9. 

Comnerais, 227, 236. 

Comstock, 150. 

Cole, Jno., 207. Timotliy, Fani., 243. 

Coleman, 70. Benj., Sarah, 254. 

Collier, Jno., 4, 10, 275. 

Collin.s, 240, 271. 

Colt, 135. 

Colton, Coulton, Jno., 216. Charlotte, 

124. 
Cook, Cooke, 27, 210, 210. 
Coole, Cooley, Coulley, Henry and Re- 

beekah, 1, 7^ 8. 9, 10. 15, 20-3, 35, 49, 

95-6, 67-8, 73. 
Coolidge, Caleb, 44, 45. 
Colburn, Edw.. Fani., 243. 



304 



INDEX. 



Coombes, Humphrey, 14. 


Dow, Jas., 86. 




Cooper, 197-8, 212-16-91. 


Downes, 21, 44, 208-16-60. 




Copeland, Ilvildah, 89. 


Drake, Aaron B., Louise J., 107. 




Copley, 55. 


Duck, 46. 




Copp, David, 33. 


Dudley, 74, 257. 




Corwin, Saml., G. Maria F., 110, 112. 


Dumaresq, Edw., 93. 




Cottlng, GO, 85, 90. Wm. Fam., 89. 


Dunbar, Maurice G., 198. 




Cozzens, Cosens, 110, 2G1. 


Dunn, Jno., 195. 




Cricke, Edw., 21. 


Dupee, Annie M., 119. 




Crispe, Ellis, 282. 


Diu'ham, Jno., 262. ' 




Crocker, Hannah, 95. 


Dwinnell, Desire or Dinah, 1, 12. 




Cross, Walter B., 114. 






Convers, Jas., 24. 


Earl, Matilda, 157. 




Crane, Gilman C. Fani., 24.3. 


Eastman, Emma S., 181. 




Crehore, 268. 


Eaton, Roswell, Fam., 183. 




Crovvninscheldt, Caspar Von, IS. 


Eddy, Abigail M., 142. Bm]., 84-8, 


91. 


Cud worth, 194, 2G1. 


Caleb, 82-4-5-8-9, 90-1. Robt. II 


., B, 


Cullock, 52. 


84, 91. Martha, 300. 




Cunimings, Amos S. Fam., 193-4. Sarah, 


Edminster, Hannah, 183. 




27G.^ 


Edmimds, Sarah, 46. 




Cunningham, 5G-7-8-9. 


Edwards Fam., 42-3-4-5. Edwards, 


41, 


Curtis, Curtice, 14, 92, 100, 121, 162, 221, 


4G-7, 53, xiii. Rollin A., 47. 




223, 232. I. B., G5. Sarah B., 78, 


Ellenwood, Grace, 147. 




96-7-8, 99, 103, IGI. Greeley, 258. 


Elliott, 24, 52, 207, 262. Eliot, 100, 
D. S., 149. Jno., Philip, 268. 


280. 


Daggett, 263. 


Ellis, Roland, 54-6, 164. 




Dalrymple, Chas., Jas., 58. 


Elliston, Geo., 74. 




Damerill, 69, 80, 177. 


Elwell, Robt., 143. 




Damon, 100-7-8-9, 272. 


Emery, G. C, 246. 




Dana, Rich., 262. 


Emmons, 55, 205. 




Darling, David H. Fam., 24G. 


Endicott, Indecott, Jno,, 15. 




Danforth, Gov., 5. 


Englis, Ida, 112. 




Davenport, Nathl., 150. Jno., 268. 


Errington, 58. 




Davis, 61, 2G0-G, 273-4. 


Erving, Jno., Deborah, 213-22. 




Dawes, Thomas and Sarah, 205. 


Estabrook, Rev. Jos., 192. 




Day, Nathan, 194. Sarah V., vii, 165. 


Eustis, David, 38. W. E. C, 138. 




Henry M. Fam., 165, 300. 


Everett, 268. 




Deane, Salathiel, xiv. 


Everton, Funnell, 11, 23. 




Deblois, Gilbert, 213. 


Evans Fam., 41. Barton D., 88. Bath- 


Dennis, 14, 92-4-5-8, 221. 


sheba, 37, 41-2-3, 51. Chas. C. Fam., 


Delo, De I'Eau, Eliz., 277. 
Dermott, Carbry, 14, 15. 
Derrie, Jerry and Silvie, 98, 233. 


245-6. Eliz., 3, 41, 166. Ernest, 
Jona., 1, 19, 24, 26, 31, 41. Mary 

41, 54, 74. 


IIG. 

,27, 


Devonshire, 293. 
Dickman, Isaac, 76. 
Dillingham, Mehitabel, 60-3-4. 
Doane, Dorcas, 192. 
Doak, Martha, 271. 


Fa,ne, Henry, 8, 9. 

Farnum, Danl. M., 153-4. H. J., 253 
Farnsworth, 100. 

Farrar Fam. and Ancestry, 155, 221, 
271. 


270, 


Dobbin, J. Ross, 190. 


Farris, 230. 




Dosson, Abigail, 287. ' 
Doubleday, Elisha, 76. 


Fay (Estate), 18. 
Field, Marcy A., 171. 




Douglass, Wm., 74. 


Findlater, Madeleine, 116. 





INDKX. 



iW) 



Fillmore, Pres., Powers, 283. 
Fisher, 63, 139, 159. 
Fisk, 88, 110. 
Fitch, 38, 82, 206, 207. 
Fitts, Fitz, Robt. B., Harriet M. K., 149. 
Fleet, Thos., 208. 

Fletcher, 179, 182. Robt. Fain., 110. Rol- 
liii Fara., 182. AVm. F. Fain., 112-13. 
Flewelly (Indian), 23. 
Forsyth, Wm. Fani., 195. 
Foote, 212. 
Ford or Fourth, 281. 

Foster, 2, 06. Col. Asa, 181. Newell A. 

Fam., 181. Thos., 208. 
Fothergill, Robt., 4. 
Fowle, Henry, 95. 
Foxcroft, Eliz., Francis, 83-4, 93. 
Foye, 5, 02, 257. 
Frankland, Sir/ Harry, 50-1-4-5. Thos. 

Fam., 175. Wm. W. Fara., 175. 
Fredericks, Wm., Emma L., 144. 
Franklin, xiii, 33. 

French, 22, 117, 118. Ellen, 181. Henry 

G. S. Fam., 177-8. 
Frizzell, Jnc, 49, 6S, 79, 80. 
Frost, Geo. W. Fam., 151-2. 
Frothingham, Mary, 23. 
Fryer, Nathl., 24. 
Furbush, Jona., 270. 



Gaines, 231. 

Gale, Benj., Avis, 76, xii. 

Gallishan, Geo. K. W., 183. 

Gano, Jno. A. Fam., 164, 165. 

Garbett, Mary, 183. 

Gardner, 89, 293. 

Garfield, Nellie M., 195. 

Gay, 62, 85, 90, 138, 140, 141, 1.5S. Edw. 
Fam., 137. Geo. H. Fam., 62. 

Gee, Joshua, 79. 

George, Susanna, 273. 

Gibbons, Hannah B., 159. 

Gilbert, Geo. P. Fam., 195. .lairus, 193-5. 

Gills, Mr., 34. 

Gilman, C. E. Fam., 179, 184. Mary E., 

184. 
Girard, Cath. and Stephen, 236-38. 
Glassel, Joan, 58. 
Glidden, 278. 

Glover, Glovor, 107, 251, 256. Robt. M. 
Fam., 168. 

Goddard, David, 194. 



Goldthwait, Kzekiel, 66, 75, 93, 258 9, 26.*1. 

Thos., m, 74-5. 
Goooh, Gouge, 76. Jos. M. Fam., 167 9, 
Gore, LoiiLsa, 65. 
Gordon, Mary, 201. Jas., 211. 
Gormlcy, 146. 
Gould, 275. 
(Jraham, 257. 
Grant, Jos., 28. 
Grantham, Jno., 254. 
Gray ton, 211. 

Gray, 45, 93, 268. Benj., 46. Jeffrey, 33. 

WinUuop, 215. 
Green, 225. 
Greenleaf, 289. 

Greenough, 45-6, 53, 60-2-3-4-5, 86. David 
64-5. David S., 45-6. Jno., .59, f.:!. 
Horatio, ()5. Rich. S., 65. .Martlia, 
59,60. Thos.,48, 52-4-6-9, 67. Wm.. 
15, 19, 59, 00. 

Greeley, Philip, 15. 

Greenwood, 15, 38-9, 40, .53, 197. Alonzo 
S. Fam., 200. F. W. P., 38, 40. Isaac, 
37-9, 40, 81. Isaac J., 40, 65, 94. 
Nathl., 21, 37, 76. Sam)., 1, 19, 22-4- 
6-7, 30-2-4-5-7-8, 48, 69, 70-3. 259, x. 
Saml. Fam., 37. 

Grice, Martha, 84. 

Griffin, Saml., 33. 

Gross, Eliz., 59. 

Groves, Eleanor, 62. 

Guild, 228, 229, 236. Reuben, Fam., 250-1. 

Hagar, (irace 

Haines, C. E., 171-2. Hall, xiv, xv. Fred- 
eric P., Chas. E., Henry M., 86. Wm.. 
1.50. Wm. M. Fam., 1S9. 

Hallam, 174. Saml., Maggie, Jno. and 
Jno. L., 175. 

Harold, xv. 

Hartley, 190. 

Hamilton, Benj. F. Fam., 239-40. 

Hammond, Lawrence, 257. 

Hancock, Jno., 212, 225, 235, 264, 268, 279, 

280. Rose, 195. Thos., 40, 53, 56. 
Hand, Anna, 40. 
Ilaukinson, Mary, 283. 
Harris, 124, 146, 183. Jno. F., Rich. B., 

124. Geo., 146. 
Harrison, 100, 110. 
Harrington, 123, 251, 27:?. Zacli.in- T. 

Fam., 111. 
Harrod, 64, 218-19. 
Hart, 111, 2()7. 



306 



INDEX. 



Hartshorne, Thos., 120. 

Hastings, Thos., 273. 

Hauser, Rose, 144. 

Haven, Anne, 46. 

Hayden, 46. 

Haskins, B., 213. 

Hawes, 161, 195, 296-7. 

Hawkes, Jno., 15. Hawke, Mary, 275. 

Hay ward, Nathl. M. Fam., 157. Geo. and 
Hannah, 270. Anthony, 20. 

Heath, Julianna, 111. 

Heck, Barbara, 190. 

Henchman, Nathl. and Marg., 220. Danl., 
19, 33, .34. 

Henderson, Jno., 218. 

Hemingway, Hemmenway, 268, 289. 

Herbert, Kath. W. 

Hersey, Freeman, 239. 

Hett, 1, 10, 11, 23, 84. 

Hewitt, Eva A., 61. 

Hichborn, Benj., 215. 

Hinkley, Capt., 235. 

Hlckey, 144. 

Hicks, Hincks, 182, 64. 

Hill, 24, 52, 256, xi. 

Hockaday, Charlotte, 284. 

Hobby, Hobble, 19, 28, 33-4, 49, 60. 

Hodge, Hodges, Robt., 15. Hezeklah, 240. 

Holbrook, Holebrook, 268, 269. 

Holden, Mary J., 195. 

Holland, .Jno., 22. Wm., 39. 

Hollls, Thos., 40. 

Holmes, Eliz., 100. Howland, Fam., 89. 

Holloway, Adam, 270. 

Holt, 192-6-8, 200. 

Holyoke, Samuel, 297. 

Hdman, Saml. and Sarah, 276. 

Hooper, Robt. and Hannah, 17. 

Hooten, Houghton, 102, 270. Jno., 41. 
Chester T. Fam., 197, 300. Herbert 
C, 300. 

Hopkins, Mehitable, 33. Deborah, 116. 

Horsball, xlii. 

Hosklns, 205. Fam., 224. Wm. Jr. Fam., 
235. Jno. Box Fam., 236. Jno., Jos. 
Fam., 238. Hannah (Poor) Fam., 238. 
Jos. Fam., 239. Mary E. (Hamilton) 
Fam., 239-40. Sarah F. (Collins) 
Fam., 240. Rich. Q. Fam., 240. Han- 
nah(Melanen, Bird) Fam., 240. Henry 
Fam., 241. Jas. W. Fam., 242-4. 
Abigail H. (Noyes) Fam., 242-3. Eliza 
(Cole) Fam., 243. Mary G. J. (Col- 
bui-n)Fam.,243. Jas. H., 243. Susan, 



Hoskins — Cont. 

243. Preserved B. M. Fam., 244. 
Alice E. (Alderman) Fam., 244. Ber- 
tha L., 244. Helen F. (Thompson) 
Fam., 244. Ernest J. Fam., 244. 
Henry Box Fam., 245-6. Mary C. 
(Spiers) Fam., 245. Chas. H., Wm., 
Mary and Alice, 245. Cath. F. (Evans) 
Fam., 246. Eleanor H. (Waitt) Fam., 
246, vi, vii, 224. Thos. H. Fam., 245- 
50. Susanna (Guild) Fam., 250. Chas. 
Chauncey Fam. , 251 . Jno. Grey Fam. , 

252. Caroline S. (Beach) Fam., 252- 
3. Martha A. (Weller) Fam., 253. 
Orlando J. B., 253. Chas. Chauncey, 

253. Christopher, 287-8. Wm., 209, 
215, 218, 230-1-2-3-4-5, 245, 286, 291- 
2-4-5-6-7. Wm. Fam., 224. Lydia 
(Box), 224-9, 230-1-2-3-4-5, 291. Jane 
G. (Hodges) Fam., 240. Tryphosa 
(Wyman) Fam., 242. 

Houghton, see Hooten, etc. 

Hovey, Fannie, 87. 

Howard, Wm., 14, 23-4. Saml. B. Fam., 

120, 134-5. 
Hubbell, Cath. F., 165. 
Hudson, 121, 218. 
Hull, Edw., 257. Jno., 8, 20. 
Hulthorp, Walter, xi. 
Humble, Susanna, 65. 
Humeston, 197. 
Humphrey, Jno., 16. 
Hunt, 33, 246. Susanna, 153. 
Huntington, C. P., 65. 
Hurry, Hannah, 11, 23, 84. 
Hutchinson, 24, 256. Gov., .50. 

I'ans, Mary, 39. 

Inches, Henderson, 213. 

Ingelo, Nathl., 13. 

Ingersoll, Col., 213. 

Ingraham, Henry, 34. 

Inman, Ralph, 101-2. 

Ireson (Jerson), Saml. and Edw., 15. 

Jackson, 221, 222. Deborah, 92, 160, 162. 

Geo. R. Fam., 145. Queen, 167-9. 
Jackman, Martha, 182. 
Jarret, Susanna, 65. 
Jetfries, xi. 
Jenks, C. W., 82. 
Jenkins, Jenkyn, 213. Lionel, 5. Mary, 

160. 
Jennings, Zachariah Fam., 85-6. 
Jepson, 256, 260. 
Jewett, 245-8-9. 



INDEX. 



:J()7 



Johnson, 153, 194. Arabella, IG. 

Joells, Tlios., 5. 

Jones, Richard II. Fam., 298-9. 

Joy, 272. 
Juxon, 282. 

Keep, 5. 

Kellond, Thos. and Abigail, 0, 20. 

Kelley, 114, 195. 

Kemble, 15, 16, 20-1-2-4, 70. 

Kendall, 6, 127. 

Kennison, Sarah A., 116. 

Keyes, Sarah A., 146. 

Kilby, Christopher, 51-2-3-6-7-8-9, 65. 
Fam., 56. 

King, 7, 16, 80. Ralph, 17. \Vm., 147. 

Kimball, Geo. E., 124. Geo. F., 123. 

Allen, 124. 

Kinney, 173. 
Kirtly, J. S., 167. 
Knapp, F. W., 194. 
Knell (Neal), Rhilip, 15. 
Kneeland, Salley, 221, 292. 

Knight, 19, 27, 34, 196, 240, x. Madam 

Sarah, 15, 17, 22. 
Kundert, Regula, 198. 

Lacy, Wm. Fam., 201. Jas. S. and Sophia 

U., 201. 
Lamb, Benj. Fam., 192-3-4-5. 
Lane, Pauline M., 180. 
Langdon, Lanyon, 40, 254-5-6. 
Lapear, 45, 60. 
Larrabee, Eliza, 241. 
Lathrop, 7, 8, 40. Lothrop, D. C, 283. 
Laubham, Clarence A., 114. 
Laws, Lucius M., Wm., 120. 
Laurence, Lawrence, 119, 253. 
Lawson, Henry Fam.. 155-8. Wm. H. 

Fam., 159. Mary G. (Leiand), 159. 

Leasonbee, Lazenby, 254. 

Lee, 87, 101, 139, 143, 149, 171, 270. 

Leddell, Eliz., 222. 

Leeds, Martha F., 153. 

Lely, Saml., 1, 2, 15. 

Leiand, Wm. H. Fam., 159. 

Leverett, Gov., 3. 

Lewis, 192-6, 216. Jona. C, 263-4-5. 

Andrew P. Fam., 239. Winslow Fam., 

62-3. 
Lincoln, 44-5-6, 77, 164, 260. Amos, 44. 

Eliz., 88. Alex. E., 45. Jedediah, 

44-5. Frederic W. 



Livingston, Kobt., 276. 
Lock, xi. 

Lockwood, Tlios., 20. 
Loomis, Sarah K., 171-3. 
Lombard, Jano, 109, 271. 
Lomas, Harry, 241. 
Longfellow, Susan, 118. 
Lord, Jano, 2S4. Goo., 'iR. 

Loring, 65, 98. Jno. (J., 9<t, ino. Viuu., 
136-7. Eliz. U. (Codinan), 136. Mar- 
tha J. (Potter), 136-7. Aiipciidix, 274. 

Lome, Manjuis of, 58. 

Lott, Jas. R. Fam., 136. 

Loud, Sarah K., 142-6-7-8. 

Loverin, Nelson Fam., 1S5. 

Loyd, Jas. and Grizzol, 20. 

Lucas, Susanna R., 251. 

"Lyman it Bonner," 188. 

Lynde, 10. Simon, 21. Rebecca, 22. 

Lyndhurst, Lord, xv. 

Mackarty, Thad., 22-3, 33. 

Mann, Caroline E., 123, 272-3-4. Ella F., 

251. 
Marden, Augusta, 239. 
Marion, Jos., 49. Eliz., 205-8. 
Marks, Martha, 84. 
Marsh, Anna II., 124. Caroline A. B., 

120. Caroline B., 124. Caroline E., 

123. Charlotte E., 123. Eliz. L., 124. 

Ezekiel, 120-2-3. Ilelene A., 124. 

Jno. G. L., 123. Katie II., 123. Col. 

Lucius B., 120-3-4-5-6-7-8-9. 130 1- 

2-3-4, 185, 272-3, iv. Lucius K., 123. 

Mary M. D., 120. Sarah C. B., 120- 

34. Thos. IL, 100, 120-1-2-3-6. Wm., 

xiv. Wm. II. M., 124. 
Marshall, Danl., 34. Abigail, 205. 
Marsters, Harriet A., 149. 
Marston, Rachel, 101. 142-3. 
Martell, Arthur E., 118. 
Martyn, Edw., 24. 
Mason, 5, 72. Geo. F. Fam., 183. Levant 

L. Fam., 86. 
Mather, Cotton, 2, 17. 27, 38, 49. Increase, 

27, 38, 48. .Sand., 79, 262. 
Matthews, Harriet L.. vii. 
Maverick, 8, 21. 
Mayer, Henry, 16, 171. 
Mayhew, 54-5. 
McAdam, Gilb., 57. 
McCarthy, 111. 
McClellan or Melancn, 240. 
McClernochan, 76. 



308 



INDEX. 



McClure, M. W., 166. 

McDermott, 144. 

McDonald, Oswald, Fam., 166. 

McDuffee, Louisa, 107-8, 271. 

McGee, Paiby, 167. 

McGlenen, Edw., vli. 

McGill, Barbara, 199. 

Mclntire, J. G., 183. 

Mcintosh, Angus, Fam., 190. 

McKenzie, Wm. R. Fam., 166, 170. 

McKinnis, Artie C, 175. 

Mellins, Millins, 287-8, 290-7. 

Melville, Emma A., 119. 

Merry, Walter, 20. 

Metcalf, Theron, 228. 

Middleton, Ellen, 61. 

Milbourne, Wm., 16, 23. 

Miles, 33, 65, 96. 

Mildmay, x, xi. 

Miller, 222, 296-7. 

Milliken, Abigail, 162-3, 278, 280. Thos., 
212. Hugh, 278. Judge, 280. 

Mills, Jno. H., 58. 

Minot, Saml., 60. 

Miot, 298. 

Montgomery, Thos. Fam., 189-90. 

Moody, 16, 21, 33. Alice (Fairfield), 51, 

vii. Jas., 175. 
Moore, Mary, 64. Hannah, 34. Daniel, 

33. 

Morrill, Sarah, 181. 

Morse, Eliakim Fam., 86-7. Jno. T., 
Benj. E., Saml. T., Chas. J., E. R., 87. 

Morton, Perez, 40, 215, 296. 

Mountfort, Moundefort, xi. 

Moulder, Nicholas, 9. 

Mudge, 114. Enoch R., 17. 

Muir, Jno., 52. 

Mulhern, Eliza, 174. 

Mulberry, Benj., 262. 

Mullin, 52. 

Munroe, Wm. Fam., 61-2. Mary, 61-2. 

Murch, 144. Augustus S. Fam., 116. 

Nary, Milan, 198. 

Nason, Chas. H., 243. 

Needham, Anne, 10. Ezekiel, 93. 

Nelson, Jno., 21, 33. Sarah t)., 146. 

Newbrey, Hannah, 175. 

Newell, 76, 99, 161, 162. 

Newhall, Saml., 15. 

Newth, Thos., xiii. 



Newton, 256, 274. 

Nicker, Marilla, 173. 

Nickerson, 40. Sereno D., 265, vii. 

Nickolls, Edw., 72. 

Norris, S., 63. 

Nowell, Geo., 21, 33. 

Nutting, Elvira (Tracy), 180. 

Noyes, xv, 182, 218. Henry, Fam., 242. 

Ocington, Ockington, 273. 
O'Connor, Fred A. Fam., 118. Mary B. 
(Martell), 118. 

Oliver, 212, 254, 261. 

Orchard, Robt., 257. 

Osborne, 291. Henry E. Fam., 90. 

Osterla, Mary, 112. 

Otis, Nathl., 49. Jas., 57, 293-4. 

Owen, Owin, 33, 34. 

Oxley, David, 147. 

Paddock, Adino, 225, 263. 

Page, Wm., 76. Edw., 23. 

Paine, Payne, Jno., 7, 8, 19, 20-3-4, 31, 02. 

Palmer, Arthur P. Fam., 253. 

Palfrey, 231. 

Parker, 275, 276. Chas. H., 65. Creigh- 
ton W., 64. 94, 124, 142, 275, 276. 
Mrs. Creighton W. (Harriet F.), 125, 
149, i, iii, vii. G. F. B., 149. Marion 
A., 149. Margaret E., 149, 214. Jacob, 
208. Wm., 64, 148, 275. Josiah, Sr. 
and Jr., Oliver, Noah, Nathl. and 
Saml., 276. Susan P., 65. 

Parsons, xii, xiii. 

Parkhurst, Ephraim, 43-4. 

Rape, 283. 

Pattee, Dr. A. F., 179. 

Patton, 298. 

Pavey, 287. 

Peabody, Henry and Charlotte, 240. 

Peale, Levi, 229. 

Pearse, 21. Pierce, 52, 89, 117, 132. 

Pearson, 107. 

Peckham, 197. 

Pelham, Penelope, 220. 

Pemberton, 262. 

Pendexter, Philip, 34. 

Penfield, 86. 

Penuel, Penwill, 19, 31. 

Perkins, 55, 201. 

Perry, Chas. M. Fam., 195. 

Phillips, Mary, Jno. and Ann, 211. Wal- 
ter, 17. Saml. 22. 



INDEX. 



no9 



Phipps, Wm., Gov., 3, 4, 0, iT)?. 

Pickering, Annie G., 91. 

Pike, Harriet M., 118. 

Pimm, Jno., 70. 

Pittee, Exp., 115. 

Pitts, 26, 33, 90, 213. 

Pollard, Jona., 70. 

Pomroy, Leonard, S6. 

Pond, 100, 209. Wm. B. Fam., 112. 

Poor, Isaac Fam., 238. 

Potter, xiv. p:iiz., Geo. 11., Jesse, Jno. 

Ij., Loring V. and Martha G., KJO. 

Geo. A. Fam., 130-7. 
Pratt, Orestes M., 90. Kobt. M., 208, vii. 
Preble, Belle, 183. 
Preston, 100, 208. 
Price, Ezekiel, 263. 
Prince, Job, 220, 275. 
Proctor, Procter, 100. Geo., Edith and 

Sarah, 207. 
Prout, 95, 205. 
Pudeator, Jacob, 19. 
Purrington, Elias, 33. 
Puffer, 100-3-5, 208-9. Matthias, 209. 
Punchard, Susan, 136. 
Pushee, Sidney A. Fam., 190-7. 
Putnam, 227, 230. 
Pye, Lady Hester, 282. 

Quarles, 250. 
Quelch, 257. 
Quimby, 240. 
Quince, Rich., 297. 
Quincy, 55. Jno., 74. 
Quinton, 180. 

Rainsford, Eliz., 59. 

Rand, 11, 08, 81-2-4, 95. 

Randolph, 5, 257. 

Rapelyea, Jas., 112. 

Rash, Thos. W., 167. 

Ray, Kath., 190. 

Raymer, 291. 

Read, Reed, Reid, 00, 112, 151, 278, 279. 

Rediate, Susanna, 270. 

Reeve, 293. 

Renouf, Chas, Clement, 205, 206. Rebecca, 

200. 
Revere, 44-5-0. Paul, 44-5-0, 278-9, 225, 

290. Alex. E.. 45. 

Rhoades, Isaac, 95. 
Rice, Cora, 191. 



Rich, 44 5. Kiith, 192. Tliatch.T, •.'71. 

Iviclianis, .Vnn, 7. HatliMht'lm, 1, 7, In. \. 
Dan!., 12, 18. Edw., 7, II. H. .In..., 
17, 11. S<'!iiia, IDJ, 171. Kraiicin, 
L'lT. 

Richardson, 121, 284. 

i;i<-kcr, Henj. F. Fam., 1 10, 11 I. 

Hid.T, 179, 2s;!. 

Ridgwny, Jo.slma, 218. 

Hidley, (Jertrude L., 243. 

I! id ion. G. T., 278. 

Uilcy, Delia, lOS. 

Kishworth, Edw., 21. 

iloath, L., 151. 

Robertson, 34. 

Robes, Sarali, 33. 

Robbins, 49. 

Robinson, 104, 158, 227. 

Rogers, 197. Wm. J. Fam., 200. 

Roland, Jno., 277. 

Rose, Roger, 19. 

Rowe, Jno., 104, 225, 204. 

Rowse, Wm., 21. 

Rozzell, Martha, 02. 

Ruck, Saml., 21, 80. 

Rudd, Mary A., 40. 

Russell, 4, 241-2. 

Saltonstall, 48. Dorothy antl Martha. 79. 

Sanborn, Delia, 142-4. 

Sanders, Jno., 23. 

Sanderson, Chas. W. Fam., Ill, Ml'. 
Dwiglit. 149. Itobt., 25t;. 

Sargeant, Peter, 0. 

Savage, 45-0, 74. 

Savory, 177. 

Sawtelle, 194. 

Sayer, Cath., 89. 

Scanlon, Margaret, 142-45. 

Scott, Gen., lSO-7. 

Schoonmaker, J. II., 112. 

Schultz, Alice D., 182. 

Scollay, Jas. and Susanna, 2S9-9<^. Jno.. 
33, 290. 

Searle, Mary, 14. 

Sears, 270. 

Sedgwick, Robt., 33. 

Seifert, Peter J., 175. Jno., 175. 

Sellys, Richard, 24. 

Severns, Saml. and Sarah, 19. 

Sewall, Sand.. 1, 2. 12, 13. 19, 41, ^57. 

Shannon, '.i'.). 



310 



INDEX. 



Sharp, Danl., 126. 
Shaw, Frances, 222. 
Shearburn, Maj., 222, 
Sherwin, Nettie, 194. 
Shipreeve, Wm., 26, 31, 49. 
Shirley, Gov., 211..^ 
Shores, ]\rary, 33. 
Siiupkins, o6. 
Sims, Eliz., 222. 
Skeat, xiii. 

Skeiton, Thos. and Snsanna, 123. , 
--Skinner, Tamsend, 33. 
Skillings, Richard, 284. 
Slason, Wm. W. Fam., 201-2. 
Smalley, 113. 

Smith, 102, 191, 205, 290. Caleb Blood, 
164. .Tas. G., 88. Rachel Z., 88. 
Rosalind A., 164. Wm. H. Fam., 
191. Minnie, 198. 
Snelling, 34, 289. 
Snyder, Helen A., 40. 
Soper, Justus, 102-3. 
Sosowen (Indian), 23. 
Spiers, J. B. Fam., 245. 
Spiller, Wm. T., 44. 
Spofford, Richard S. and Harriet Prescott, 

58. 
Spooner, Jas., 218. 
Sprague, Dr. Jno., 103. 
Stanbury, Thos. and Mary, 31. 
Stearns, 46. 
Steedman, Mary, 87. 
Stephens, Stevens, 289. J. C. Fam., 86. 
Stevenson, 195. 

Stocker, Sarah, Saml., Eliz., 205. 
Stoddard, IT, 68, 70-5-6-9, 80-1, 93-6. 
Stone, 60-2, 113, 229. Danl., 23. Martha, 
61. Edw. Fam., 113. Capt. Jno. 
Fam., 00. 
Storer, Ebenezer, 209. 

Story, Storey, 230. Elisha, 205-6-7. Eliza, 
208. Lydia, 92, 101, 205-9-10-14-19- 
20-24. Wm., 93, 205-8-9. Isaac, vii. 
Joseph, 208. 
Stowell, Edith, 47. 
Strong, 245. 

Stroud, F. St. George, 190. 
Stubbs, Maria, 88. 
Sugg, Annie B., 167, 170. 
Sullivan, 298. 
Sumner, Seth, 103. 
Surriage, Agnes, 50, 54. 



Swan Earn., 117. Allen W., 117, 119. 
Annie M., 189. Edith (Burtsch), 117, 
119. Henry, 115, 117. Jos. W., 119. 
Mary R. (O'Connor), 117, 118. Reuben 
S., 117. Walter E., 117, 118. Wm. 
H., 118. Harry G., 119. 

Swimstead, Jno., 22. 

Sybthorpe, Eliz., 100. 

Symmes, 39. 

Symonds, Sarah, Harlackendine, 23. Mar- 
garet A., 120. 

Taft, Sarah A., 181. 
Tanner, Jas. Fam., 168. 
Taylor, 15, 63, 97. 112, 257, 297-8. Benj., 
175. Henry, 240-1. Ellen M., 178. 

Terrice, Eliz., 22. 

Thane, Sally Gano, 161. 

Teele, 104, 117. 

Thatcher, Peter, 269. 

Thayer, 88, 179. 

Theobald, Dr. Philip, 63. 

Thomas, 233. Lena, 246. Anne, 49. Jas. 

B. F., 114. 
Thomasson, D. H. Fam., 172-3-4. 
Thompson, 171, 194, 244. 
Thornton, Tim. F., 23. 
Thresher, Seneca H. Fam., 157. 
Thwing, Nathl., 208. 
Titan, Antoine, 236-8. 
Torrey, Frances H. (Morse), 87. 
Towers, Mary, 33. 
Townsend, 194. 
Tracy, Elvira, 180. 
Treadwell, Wm., 46. 
Treat, 271. 
Trescott, S., 266. 
Trimble, Harriet L., 167-9. 
Trott, Eliz., 214. Preserved, 267. Thos., 

100, 267. 
Trumbull, Jos., 222-9, 232, 295. 
Tucker, 62, 102-3, 201. 
Turbett, Peter, 23. 
Turell, Jno., 20, 22, 
Turlington, 298. 
Turner, 11, 23. 
Tuttle, Richard, 21. 
Twichell, Sally, 300. 
Twyman, Jos. Fam., 87. 
Tyler, Andrew and Wm., 74. 
Tyng, Edw., 8. 

Underwood, Antho., 26, 
Usher, Jno,, 15. 



INDKX. 



Vallette, Abigail, 1G2, 278, 280. Adaline 
(Byrne), 175. Clias. A., 171-3. Clara 
W. (Frankland), n"). Davit!, Ki-J, 212, 
277-8. Ed\v..l()2, 174. Ella V. (Tay- 
lor), 175. Eticniio, 277. Froderii- .\., 
102, 171-2. FroiU'ric I'., 171. draco 
(Moody), 175. Harriot (McDonald), 
l(i2-(j. IlarrietB. (Seifert), 17"). II:u- 
riet M. (Thoinasson), 172 :5 4. Henri- 
etta M. (Ilallani). 175. lI(Mirv, 1(12 :;- 
4. Horace F., 171-2. ls;vl)clla (S.-i- 
fert), 175. Jacques, 27G. Julia 
(Wright), 164-5. Julia A. (Coffey), 
171-2. Julia B. (Frankland), 175. 
Laura (Gano), 104-5. Louis E., 175. 
Mary L. (Hallain), 175. Mary M., 280. 
Pierre, 277. Tctcr, 100-2, 277-S. 
Sarah (Day), 104-5, vii. Sarah E. 
(Hallam), 175. Thos. B., 171-3-5. 
Wm. C, 104. Wui. IL, 1()4, 172-5-0. 
Wui. J., 175. Wni. P., 102, 174-5. 

Viall, Jnc, 16, 33, 34. 

Vibbard, Wm., 83. 

Viscount, Philip, 93, 

Vose, Robt., Jnc, Edw., 269. 

Wade, 107. Thankful, 107. 
AVadsworth, Benj., 205. 
Waiuwright, Peter, 55-6. 

Waitt, 44, 00. Mr. and Mre. Wui. G., 209, 

220, 240, 250, vii. 
Wales, Chas. Fam., 157. 
AValker, Geo. T. Fam., 147. Ivy, 147. 
Walters, Laurence, 15, 299. 
Walton, Eliz., 164. 
AVard, 259, 273. Henry F. Fam., 194. 

Warren, 112-14-20. Jos., 225, 296. 11. 

Vallette, 280. 

Washington, 229. 
Watson, 15, 24. 
Waterman, Nathl., 240. 
Way, Annie L., 112. 
Webb, 04, 71, 231-56-96. 
AVebber, Jas., 33-4. 
AVebster, Charlotte, 63. 
Weeks, Theo. C. Fam., 157. 
AA'eller, Milo J. Fam., 253. 



Wells, C. T. lain., 16a-7-b-W, 170. 

Welinan, .Vbrahiiiii, IT). 

Welch, 46, 235. 

Weld, Thos., 62. 

Wflstcad. Wm., 42 3, 79. 

Wcndall, Oliver, 103. 

W.-si. 17,-,, 257. 

Wii.Mlland, Bcnj. Fain., 88. Martha, .s«. 

WlicalJey, J no., 222. 

Wheelwright, 219, 292-3. Camilla (I'ar- 
k.'r), 148. 

White, 23, 37, 41, 75 fl, Si, 113, 162, 243. 
Albion K. Fam., 111. 

AA'liitmore, Whittcmorc, vii, 74. 
Whittier, Wm., xi. Abigail, 241 2. 
AA'hittingham, Martha, 4.S. 
Whilwell, 255-6, Mercy, 68, 92, 254-.'i, 
AA'm., 255-6. 

Wilcocks, Chas., 222, 

Wilkins, Chas. Fam., 63. J no., 255 0. 

AAlUard, 10, 41, 56, (i6-7, 70, 262, 205, 207. 

AAMllis, Zennic D., 239. 

AA'illiams, 19, 44, 52, 277. Jos. AV., IIU, 
113. Laura, 174. 

Willow, Jno. J. Fam., 147. 

AVinsley, Jno. and Eli/.., -lit. 

AVinslow, 49, 52-3-6-9, 237. 

AA''inters, 17. 

Winthrop, Adam, 2. Filz John, 27'i. 

AA'aitstill, 12. 21, 256, 
AAlnsor, Thankful, 171. 
AA^irth, Jessie, 61. 
AAMse, Jos., 68, 79. 
Wiswall, 270. 
AA'ithington, Henry and Faith. 266-8. 

Lotbrop, vii. Hannah, Capt. Jno., 

Richard, 268. 
AVoodmansey, 66, 
AVoods, 63, 171-2, 
Woodward, 194, 290. 
AA'right, Richard B. Fam., 105-6. 
AA' yer, 294. 
AVylie, Janet, 189, 
AVyman, 242, 273-4. 



General Index. 



Adventure of Mrs. Abigail Valletta, 279. 

Anchor Tavern, The, 8, 14. 

Bant Mansion (Blackstone House), 75, 258, 
262. 

Barrell Estate, Somerville, afterward Mc- 
Lean Asylum, 237. 

" Barricado," or out-wharves, 6. 

Boston, North End, 10, 74, 77. 

Bible, Box Earn., 99, 146, 220. 

Bible, Edwards Earn., 42, 47. 

Bronsdon System of Inclined Railways, 
148. 

Churches, Second, "New Brick," 7, 49. 

Clark (Frankland) House, 50, 56, 67. 

Columbia River, Discovery of, 237. 

Eay Estate, Lynn, 18. 

Fire at North End of Boston, 1774, 278. 

Eillmore's Book, 283. 

Golden Wedding, Wells, 167. ' '^ 

Hancock's Letters, Extract from, 264. 

Incident of War of 1812, 187. 

Long Island, Mass., 22. 

Laying Corner-stone of King's Chapel, 211. 



Letters of Wm. Hoskins, 230. 
"Matchless Martha" at siege of London- 
derry, Ire., 1689, 272. 
Mass. Regt. dined at old B. & M. R.R. 

Station in 1862, 132. 
Newspaper, First, in Maine, " Wiscasset 

Telegraph," 241. 
" Old Feather Store," 21. 
Oldest Masonic Lodge, 264, 265. 
Ropewalks on Beacon Hill, 210, 219. 
"Services to the State" by Col. Marsh in 

1861, 130. 
"Swampscott Farm" (Paradise), 16, 17, 

18. 
Tombs, Old, at Copp's Hill Burying 
Ground: 
Bant-Lincoln, 77, 260. 
Bronsdon, 14, 77, 78. 
Clark, 53, 77. 
Edwards-Lincoln, 42, 46. 
Greenwood, 37, 77. 
Greenough, 77. 
Box Tomb at King's Chapel, 212. 






5 6 > 



Author's Note. 



The last page of the Genealogy is now in type, and we would be lacking in 
proper appreciation if we left unsaid a few words concerning our printer, Mr. 
Thomas P. Nichols, who has a deservedly high reputation for thorough reliability and 
excellence in his work. This we have personally experienced. Our share in the work 
has been facilitated and made easy for us in the most accommodating spirit, and we 
have been the recipient of valuable suggestions and advice on his part, which have 
added to the value of the book and aided in its successful accomplishment. 



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